Stupid question...When are they fully feathered?

[braedandhalshens]

Are they considered fully feathered when their bodies are all feathered but not their neck and heads? Or does everything need be? Asking because I am gonna move them outside soon and they are feathered all but neck and heads. Thanks

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

all feathered means the whole chick.its around 6 weeks. How old are they and what is the temps where you are. I have put younger chicks outside here but its very warm at night . Its 74 right now If you are worried put them out but put a heat source in the coop

 

[debilorrah]

There are no stupid questions here.. K?

 

[chkinut]

my girls are now 4 weeks old and they've been outside 24/7 since they were 2 weeks old....no heat lamp either. they did just great!!! i closed them up in their small coop at night and i haven't had a problem.

 

[underground chickenman]

Depends on the breed, but generally around 6 weeks. Different breeds and even different birds within breeds have different tolerances for temperature. I hatched 70 coturnix quail only a week ago, and they started to get uncomfortable after just 3 or 4 days at 90 degrees. They seem to like 85ish already. I've had the same experience with some recent chicks. Could be my high humidity that makes them uncomfortable at the higher temps.

Watch the birds and they will tell you what they want. The thermometer is supplementary.

UGCM

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Agreed!

 

[MareeZoCool]

No question is stupid, in fact, you do everyone a favor by asking questions - then the information gets out quickly with the replies from the wise experienced members of this forum.

I have 3 chicks that were hatched outside by momma-hen April 22,23, & 24. She has kept them safe & growing just fine , even with night temps dropping down in the 40's.

momma hens are amazing! they teach US how to be good chicken lovers, just by observing & enjoying daily.

 

[Chickenfarmer 1-2-b]

I used the thermostat the first time I hatched the chicks for about a day. It was almost useless to use the thermometer b/c the chicks will let you know if they are comfortable or not. If they are spread out far away from the heat source, they are too hot. If they all hurdle under the light then they are too cold. Pretty simple.

Andy

 

[Morgan7782]

I didn't have a thermometer to judge the warmth in my brooder, but I had four chicks and they made it clear whether they were too hot or cold. If you don't have a temp taker, don't worry. No need to rush out and buy one. My chicks just hit 5 weeks old, and they are thriving. Outside all day, and hopefully next week they will be moved outside for good. Pretty warm here in Sacramento

 

[braedandhalshens]

Thanks for the help guys! They are about 4 weeks. The temps have been in the mid 70's daytime and mid high 50's at night, except for this weekend(cold and had tornado sirens going off Friday!) It will be a couple more weeks I'm sure. Weather in NW Ohio is so unpredictable.