Time for the coop?

[CharlieW]

My girls are almost 4 weeks old and outgrowing the brooder. Can't believe how rowdy they are and big. They appear to be mostly feathered except for some down on the back of their necks and under their butt. The last few nights have been cool mid 60's @ night. Unusual for here in august, but should start picking up again soon. Any advice? Thanks.

 

[Chick Charm]

Affirmative. Time for the coop. You may want to put a light in the coop at night, NOT for heat but for comfort. It keeps them from peeping so loud.

Wish ya the best.

 

[FergieChick]

Good to read. I'm hoping to put my girls out at 4 weeks old and I also live in the mid-atlantic. Hoping for warmer temps in the next few weeks so I can get them in the coop!

Thanks!

 

[buttercup95]

Affirmative. Time for the coop. You may want to put a light in the coop at night, NOT for heat but for comfort. It keeps them from peeping so loud.

Wish ya the best.

Yep, I agree time for a coop and take extra care for predators as they're still young the light might even keep those away too.

 

[whittychick]

My chicks are about 3 weeks old...you think they are too young to go outside?? They are too big for brooder and are flying around when they get the chance!

 

[CharlieW]

Thanks for the advice! They are getting pretty boisterous.

 

[buttercup95]

My chicks are about 3 weeks old...you think they are too young to go outside?? They are too big for brooder and are flying around when they get the chance!

Well if it's warm enough at night I would think they'd be fine. As long as you take extra care for predators. Even rats can take out a chick.

 

[Chick Charm]

My chicks are about 3 weeks old...you think they are too young to go outside?? They are too big for brooder and are flying around when they get the chance!

Make sure there is no draft in your coop if you put em out before 4 weeks and the temps are cool. Put a heat lamp in your coop for heat and comfort. Because of where you are at you should be ok as long as temps don't get too cool.

Wish the best

 

[buttercup95]

My chicks are about 3 weeks old...you think they are too young to go outside?? They are too big for brooder and are flying around when they get the chance!

Make sure there is no draft in your coop if you put em out before 4 weeks and the temps are cool. Put a heat lamp in your coop for heat and comfort. Because of where you are at you should be ok as long as temps don't get too cool.

Wish the best

If you're going to put a heat lamp please follow the attached link on fire safety

Fire Safety in your Chicken Coop & Barn - IMPORTANT!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

The temperature requirement for chicks is 90-95 degrees the first week of life and decrease by 5 degrees per week until fully feathered, usually around 6 weeks of age.

Of course mama hens take their chicks out and about in all kinds of weather but they still have the ability to get under her for warming sessions. So what I like to do is offer a 100 watt bulb for them when they are in that almost fully feathered phase...if they need it they have it.