Well, I'm new to this too, so not sure how much help I can be...However, I had to put my older chicks (now 6 weeks) outside two weeks ago with a heat lamp (Boise), I have two other chicks that are about 3.5 weeks younger so they need a bit more time until they can join the big girls. I let the big girls out when the sun is shining and watch them for about 1/2 hour, most of the time, I bring the babies out to play in the grass too. Everyone seems fine, My Black Sex Link is definitely the boss and she's letting the little girls know that with quick pecks to their head that make them peep loudly in protest. My barred rock, who is the same age as the BSL is just happy to follow her around. None of them want to get very far from the coop. The big girls flap their wings and fly about 6 feet to show how cool they are but I don't see them being able to get too far from the coop without getting nervous. I allow the babies to visit for about 15 min and then they go back to their brooder. I took the heat lame away from the big girls two nights ago, they are fine, now the little girls have the heat lamp out in the garage and I got them out of the back bedroom. Even in a huge rubbermaid tote, they kick up a lot of dust and mess. Glad to have them out of the house. The 30 days is to keep any disease from spreading. I didn't follow that, they are all on medicated food and I keep their water/food and coop/brooders very clean so they will be all right. Hopefully Eggs by August??? Late August???
