Transitioning chicks from brooder to outside

[grammychick]

I recently bought 2 cream legbar pullets. They are now close to 6 wks old. I've been putting them outside during the day but not sure when to leave them out all night. PA weather is dropping to low 40s this wk and will drop to freezing next wk. Is it ok to leave them in coop (separate small coop for the 2 of them) without heat lamp or should I add heat? If I should add heat lamp at what age (and/or temp) is it ok to go without heat? I'd appreciate any input

 

[SueT]

You don't need any heat at 6 weeks. Even with low 40's and freezing. You can provide a 'huddle box' just in case, but my guess is they won't use it and will roost instead....

 

[grammychick]

Ok thank u for your response!

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

6 weeks ago they were ready to be in the coop. I bet you will be happy to get them out of the house! I used a heat plate with day old chicks and temps in the 30's at night. They weaned themselves off heat at 4 weeks.

Gary

 

[aart]

Hopefully they are off any heat in the house.

Make them a 'huddle box', put it in the brooder after turning off the heat(you might have to 'persuade' them to use it) then move it out to the coop with them.

Cardboard box with a bottom a little bigger than what they need to cuddle next to each other without piling and tall enough for them to stand in.

Cut an opening on one side a couple inches from bottom and big enough for 2-3 of them to go thru at once.

Fill the bottom with some pine shavings an inch or so deep.

This will give them a cozy place to sleep/rest, block any drafts and help hold their body heat in.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've had chicks go through overnight temperatures in the mid 20's Fahrenheit at under 6 weeks old with no supplemental heat. They were in a coop with great breeze protection down where they were and great ventilation up high. I'd leave your pullets out now with no heat as long as they can get out of a breeze.

 

[Christinecam]

I see no one has posted here for awhile so I hope I’m not alone!
Reading the above I feel a little silly.. but I have 2 LF polish who are very large, way to big to still be inside. They are 10 weeks and 1 bantam d’uccle who is 14 weeks. I put them out during the day when the temps are in the 50s and bring them by evening. Because at about 40 degrees they are shivering, each feather! Spoiled much? The temps have been swinging from 9 to almost 60 degrees in a handful of days. Am I being a total nut?
They have a complete, ventilated home I set up for them till they are old enough for the adults. (No broody hens)