Transitioning Chicks to Outdoor Coop

[NewChickMamma2425]

Hi everyone! I’m a first time chicken owner and I have questions. The school I work for hatched 15 chicks and I took them ALL home with me when they were 1 week old. They are now 4 weeks old and are getting HUGE! I have them in a pop-up playpen as a brooder currently but I would like to transition them into the big coop. I have bedding put down and a heat lamp hanging from the ceiling to keep the coop warm. It is in the low 50sF at night where I live and still only in the mid 60sF to mid 70sF.
Should I put the heat lamp on a timer so it is only on during the night or leave it on all the time?
Can I just put the chicks into the coop full time or should I transition them slowly? Ex: Days in the coop and nights in the pop-up?
Is there anything I might need now that I am moving them?
How long should I keep the outside part of the coop blocked off?

 

[Buckeye Amy]

At 4 weeks, they shouldn't need supplemental heat. I wouldn't worry about transitioning them, just put them out with their food and water. They will be thrilled to have more room! They'll be ready to explore the the outdoor area too. Be prepared to help them figure out how to go in at night since they won't be used to that.

 

[rosemarythyme]

At 4 weeks old and with 15 of them to huddle up and moderate temperatures you can probably move them straight out without issue, or if it makes you feel better to do it more slowly cut off the heat now in the brooder, give it a few days, and then put them out.

Assuming the coop is well lit and ventilated enough to safely keep them in there I'd give them about a week before letting them have run access, to help home them to the coop.