What age do adult feathers grow in?

[Jamin Mayer]

I'm enjoying reading the experience you all have with chickens. Thank you for your time and knowledge shared here.

This question may have come up before, but I can't find it here. But, I'm simply wondering when the adult chicken feathers come in. I've got 15 chicks at 2.5 weeks old. I've noticed some are really wanting to test those wings out!

Some of them look like they will be able to jump out of their brooder soon. I'm really impressed with how fast they grow and develope.

I had the chicks in a 2'x3'x18(h)" brooder. I noticed that some of the larger bird were trying to jump/fly out. So, I just changed them over to a 3'x5'x2'(h) brooder. (That give me the 15 square feet they need for now). I don't know if they could/will soon be able to fly/jump out of that brooder or not. I keep 90% of the brooder covered with thin plywood to reduce a draft. The rest is covered with metal screen. So, they can jump out when we are not there... I'm just worried that when we want to change the water, feed, and bedding that they will jump/fly out.

Do I have a valid concern? Or, am I a worrywart?

Should I clip the wings of the larger chicks? Some show potential to get out.

 

[Imp]

They get their feathers depending on breed, probably somewhere between 5-8 weeks old.
And, Is there a problem with them getting out of the brooder? I haven't had lots of chicks, but when I have, I let them jump/fly out and run around the room, when I was around to watch them.

Imp

 

[abanjaf]

My second batch of babies are 3 1/2 weeks old now and most are about 1/2way feathered out (a few chicks almost completely feathered and a few farther behind). I only keep the top of the brooder covered with metal screen. My babies LOVE to fly up and perch on the brooder sides while I'm cleaning up! A few hop down to the ground to investigate their surroundings, but their babies and are curious. They won't go far, let them enjoy themselves. Being in the brooder all day is boring stuff! Where is your brooder, the house, garage, ??? If you have a concern that an escape and chase game may be on if they get out, perhaps you could move the brooder to a more secure location so that you don't have to worry

 

[Jamin Mayer]

Quote:
Good point. I have them in our garage. It's secure from preditors, but not our stuff.

If they got out, they'd most likely create a difficult time for us by hiding in all of the nooks & crannies (a.k.a. stuff in the garage).

However, I have a roll of plastic poultry fencing. I was thinking of taking them out side to let them scratch around in the grass. Also, this time outside will be for our kids to play with them. I'll only allow them a short period of time. Hopefully, I'll be okay to do so...

It is in the low 70's here at the moment. They will be in full sun.

 

[Jamin Mayer]

Quote:
So, it sounds like I may be worrying a little too much.

 

[abanjaf]

My 3 1/2 week olds go outside at 10am and come back in at 5pm (unless its cold, of course!). The temp is in the 70's here during the day. I'm sure your babies will love having some outside time

 

[Jamin Mayer]

So, it sounds like I won't be clipping any wings for a while...

And yes, they did well out side. It was fun for the chicks and my children.

 

[abanjaf]

I never clip wings. Most of my chickens could fly over the fence if they wanted to and a few could fly onto the roof if they chose, but it's not a problem. Chickens are not flying birds. They love being on the ground and scratching in the dirt. Have had chickens for the last 9 years and never had to. I've not heard of anyone else clipping wings either.

 

[Jamin Mayer]

Quote:
That's weird. It seems like all of the research I've done, many people are clipping the wings. Is it an urban chicken raising thing?

 

[abanjaf]

I dunno! Before you mentioned it, I'd not heard of it! Curious, maybe we should start a post inquiring about it