Transitioning pullets outside

Joined
Jun 11, 2025
Messages
41
Reaction score
69
Points
59
Location
Southeastern North Carolina
I’m looking for some advice on transitioning my 6 week pullets to outside. They’ve been in a brooder inside my house since I got them, but they’re quickly outgrowing it (and are smelly) and they need to be outside to have more space to run around and play. But where I live, the next week’s forecast shows it will drop down to 31 as the low for a few nights. Is that too cold even with the heat lamp for them? Like I said, they’re 6 weeks, feathered everywhere but their heads. I just don’t want them to freeze. Anybody who’s had chicks at this time, I need your advice! :)
 
Are they going to a coop that is dry and draft free? Yes you can put them out. They don't need the heat. If you want a warmer spot for them just give them a box they can huddle in.
Newly hatched chicks can be raised outside if given a heat source.
I have two potential areas they can go, one where I’m fine with the heat lamp being because there’s a draft, and one where I’d rather not keep the lamp because it’s enclosed. So if I can put them to the enclosed coop you’re saying they won’t need a lamp?
 
Have you weaned them off heat inside?
Yes I’ve been turning the lamp off during the day and only keeping it on at night. It’s pretty cold in our house (old house no insulation) so I feel like they should be somewhat used to the cooler temps
 
I have two potential areas they can go, one where I’m fine with the heat lamp being because there’s a draft, and one where I’d rather not keep the lamp because it’s enclosed. So if I can put them to the enclosed coop you’re saying they won’t need a lamp?
They don't need the lamp at all. I'd cut their lamp off totally inside (no more artificial heat) wait for this cold snap to pass and put them outside in whatever location you choose with a huddle box (cardboard box for them to huddle together in if they choose) and let them chicken.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom