Transition from brooder to outside coop

[Sedelfelt]

Hi, I live in Austin, TX. We just recovered from a cold spell and now temps are in the 60s and 70s during the day, and low 40s at night.
My chicks are 5-6 weeks old and I am ready to move them to their coop outside. What is the best way to do so? I’ve read that I should lock them in the coop for 4 days, after that they can roam the backyard during the day and go back into the coops at night for forever. Is this a good plan? Any different advice?

 

[Percheron chick]

I don't let mine free range until they are closer to being full size. I find the smaller, young birds are harder to find when they wander too far. They panic and run farther and faster when startled. They are also at higher risk of cats and birds. Other than that, they are more than ready to be outside.

 

[Sedelfelt]

I don't let mine free range until they are closer to being full size. I find the smaller, young birds are harder to find when they wander too far. They panic and run farther and faster when startled. They are also at higher risk of cats and birds. Other than that, they are more than ready to be outside.

Thanks! How do I know when they’re full size? How many weeks usually is that? Will they be ok living in here full time until then? Hoping you can get an idea of their size through the pic!

 

[Percheron chick]

I only see 2 chicks so the coop is more than adequate. I'm saying closer to 15+weeks. 4#+.

 

[Sedelfelt]

I only see 2 chicks so the coop is more than adequate. I'm saying closer to 15+weeks. 4#+.

There are a total of 4. Thank you!

 

[Percheron chick]

The coop and run are too small for 4 adult birds but is fine for a grow out pen. An easy way to visualize it is each mature pullet is the size of a gallon of milk. Can you even fit 4 gallons in the coop? Chickens get aggressive and stressed when they don't have adequate room. 16 sq ft coop (4/hen) and 40 sq ft run (10/hen) is a base recommendation. Start working on a new coop.

 

[Percheron chick]

Since you're in TX, don't even bother with a traditional 4 walled roofed coop. Build it for the miserable summers. Open and airy. A roofed wire run with one wall for some privacy and a wind block, a roost and 2 next boxes is all they need.