Putting birds out too soon?

[OSUman]

Quote:
You will be fine, ive been doing that with mine since they were under a week old and it was in the 90s durring the day, i just let mine run loose and they enjoy it and odly enough they act more chicken like, flapping their wings and roosting where they can find, and theyre also eatting the grass and only a few sit by the feeder alll the time.

ETA I've been taking them in each night.

 

[mcf3kids]

We put ours out at about 10 days old with a heat lamp at night and they have thrived. Our lows have been in the 70's or high 60's at night and they are def. not fully feathered. At just about 3 weeks they are plump and happy and moving about in their tractor although they do temp to poop all in the area where the food and water is - wonder why that is???

 

[centrarchid]

With mine, being taken outside is delayed to 4 weeks. Most days and night temperatures not a problem but if heavy rain during day or cold snap at night, real risk of piling can cause some to get smashed. Piling seems more likely when chicks still not fully feathered. I use a dog as guardian otherwise, hawks would also be a worry.