Too soon to have my 5.5 week old chicks outside?

[Mreid25]

Hi everyone!
I am new to having chickens and just want to make sure they are ready to be outside. These are my chicks and their coop, tonight is going to be their first night outside. They have been without heat in a 65-70 room with a window open for the past week and a half to get them ready for colder temps. But I put them out and they are all cuddled in the corner! Is it too cold for them? Should I add anything to the coop to help they stay warmer?
All of the windows are closed but they have ventilation at the top of the coop, and the thermometer is reading about 48° right now at 10 pm.

 

[Wezdin]

They look pretty fully feathered, I would say they are fine outside.

 

[Folly's place]

They should be fine.
I transition mine differently; they go out to the coop in their own section at three weeks of age, with either their heat lamp, or their brooder plate. As they feather out, and use the heat source less often, it's finally shut off, at about the age of your chicks now. It's fine for them too.
Yours may be huddling up because they are scared of their new environment, not just because it's a bit colder than they have been used to.
Mary

 

[Mreid25]

They should be fine.
I transition mine differently; they go out to the coop in their own section at three weeks of age, with either their heat lamp, or their brooder plate. As they feather out, and use the heat source less often, it's finally shut off, at about the age of your chicks now. It's fine for them too.
Yours may be huddling up because they are scared of their new environment, not just because it's a bit colder than they have been used to.
Mary

Thank you!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I agree, they should be fine. I know it's tempting to coddle them but they're nicely feathered and you weaned them off heat already, and it's honestly not that cold.

 

[Henrybelle]

They look good to me

 

[BaaKaaawk]

As long as they are dry, you are good to go with them outside especially with those temps. If you were more in the 20-30's different story. They'll thank you for all the extra space too.

 

[Mreid25]

As long as they are dry, you are good to go with them outside especially with those temps. If you were more in the 20-30's different story. They'll thank you for all the extra space too.

Thanks!! I think I just feel bad that they’re all cuddled up but I know they’re okay.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

Thanks!! I think I just feel bad that they’re all cuddled up but I know they’re okay.

I think that is more of a defensive mechanism. Not sure though. Mine absolutely do that as well. I just put 5 out about that same exact size and age and they ultimately after 3 days got up way high on one of my roosts... and still as close to a pile as they can get on the roosts.

 

[Flockingchickens]

They may be more timid then cold! Try spreading a few treats out to show them that it is a safe and interesting environment, after 15 minutes or so feel their legs and the bottoms of their feet, if they feel very cold then it is too cold for them, you can also feel under their wings...... if it is warm then they are probably warm too, if not they definitely need to be inside again. If they are not cold and the treats are working then you might try letting them out in 45minute to hour stints so that they become more used to the environment. Chickens often huddle when they young if they are scared of something. Good luck with your youngsters!!!!