What age can bantams free range (100% of the time)

[Chloesmama]

I have 2 bantams (either both roosters, or one of each) and I need to re-home them. I have found a place for them to go, but she doesn't really want to keep them with her laying hens. What age can she let them roam all the time? She has lots of trees and is fencing the property against dogs, but there will be other predators for sure. I am ready for them to be out of my bathroom, but one of the bantams does not get along well with my 4 laying hens (which are still babies at this point too.) They are all around 7 weeks old now.

Also, what is the best way to introduce them to the new home? They have been in a large tub (the size of my bathtub) since we got them at a few days old. The heat lamp is now off all the time, but the only time they are out of the tub is when my daughters play with them, several times a day.

 

[countrygirl345]

They should be fine outside when they are fully feathered, around 12 weeks, although at no age will they be totally safe from predation. As for introducing them to their new home, as long as it is safe and comfortable, there shouldnt be a problem.

 

[Coralietg]

Problem with young bantams is they make easier snacks for lots of predators. We had a red cochin who was about 8 weeks old, taken by a feral cat. Another was taken, that time a 9 week old Salmon Faverolle. She was on the smaller side. Thankfully we've dealt with the cats and had no more losses.