Ready to go outside?

[Williams2610]

I have 5 silkie/sapphire splash chicks that were born November 1st so they are just at 5 weeks old. They look to be pretty well feathered so when can they go outside 24/7?
I have been putting them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for about 2 weeks now with temps ranging from 70s-40s
Alabama weather is crazy,it’s been in the 70s during the day and 50/60s at night, but we are getting a cold front so it’s going down to 37 tonight!
Can they stay out tonight? Do they need a heat lamp in the coop with them?
Thanks!!

 

[All4Eggz]

I have 5 silkie/sapphire splash chicks that were born November 1st so they are just at 5 weeks old. They look to be pretty well feathered so when can they go outside 24/7?
I have been putting them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for about 2 weeks now with temps ranging from 70s-40s
Alabama weather is crazy,it’s been in the 70s during the day and 50/60s at night, but we are getting a cold front so it’s going down to 37 tonight!
Can they stay out tonight? Do they need a heat lamp in the coop with them?
Thanks!!

I would let them stay out, but some might disagree. @aart @Weeg

 

[gtaus]

They look to be pretty well feathered so when can they go outside 24/7?

I usually wait until my birds are 8 weeks old, but I live in northern Minnesota and our nights in the springtime get down to the low 30F's.

Do they need a heat lamp in the coop with them?

I have never used a heat lamp in my coop. I keep my chicks in the brooder until they don't need any heat at all. If you use a heat lamp in the coop, make sure you secure it at least 2 different ways. If one method fails, you need a backup to be in place so the heat lamp does not fall down and catch the bedding on fire.

 

[589205]

I think it would be okay to put them outside. Once they are feathered out @ 6 weeks old they don’t usually need a heat source and will be able to naturally adjust to the weather accordingly.

 

[Kiki]

I would have put them out and left them weeks ago.