When can chicks go out into coop?

[Colt Frost]

I have some chicks that are 3 weeks old, they have a lot of feathers. The only problem is that it gets down into the 20's right now. I know that they're definitely not able to go out right now, but when should they be able to? It's going to start warming up pretty soon. And in the day it gets to mid 60's-mid 70's.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

are there other birds in the coop?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Until they are fully feathered (8wks depending on the breed), they need heat. At their age I'd say warmer the better if you want to take them out for a while, don't let them get chilled. Where are you located?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Is there electric in the coop? Are there other, adult, birds in the coop?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Have you started weaning them off the heat where they are? At three weeks id be weaning them from the great, exposing them to cool temperatures and preparing them to transition in a week or two....unless you are able to supply heat in the coop and provide an area of safety from other birds already in it(if there are any), in which case id move them now and finish brooding them out there, weaning them off the heat in the next couple of weeks

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I have some chicks that are 3 weeks old, they have a lot of feathers. The only problem is that it gets down into the 20's right now. I know that they're definitely not able to go out right now, but when should they be able to? It's going to start warming up pretty soon. And in the day it gets to mid 60's-mid 70's.

I wait until my chicks are 5 weeks cause they are fully feathered to stay out.
Before that though I acclimate them. I put my chicks outside only during the day and they come back in the house at night. It took 3 days for them to let me know they were 100% ready to stay out.
I also live where it gets cold. So if it' nice during the day like you said they'll be fine. Once you start leaving them outside over night I would put a heat lamp out with them just for the cold nights.. I had a lamp on when it was 50F or lower when mine where out BUT it was because they were used to the house where I also have a woodstove running so its alot warmer and I'm also a worry wart.

 

[Birdinhand]

after reading on here that they don't need to be inside at all and typically do better outside, I have stopped brooding them inside and have found coop brooding to have a better success rate. I have chicks hatching under a broody in 12 days and another batch coming in the mail that will go into a coop brooder with MHP and have no reservations about it even though it's still on the cold side. as long as they have access to heat, they are quite good at regulating their temps.

 

[coloradowildflower]

I agree. Heat and protection from the other chickens, as well as protection from drafts, are the key components. If you have those things, there's no reason they can't go out.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

I agree. Heat and protection from the other chickens, as well as protection from drafts, are the key components. If you have those things, there's no reason they can't go out.

I agree that's just how I do it

 

[Colt Frost]

are there other birds in the coop?

Yes I have 15 hens and a rooster in the coop right now, but I have a side coop that I can section off into another coop until there big enough to incorporate into the existing flock.

Until they are fully feathered (8wks depending on the breed), they need heat. At their age I'd say warmer the better if you want to take them out for a while, don't let them get chilled. Where are you located?

I've been taking them out when it's mid 60's-mid 70's. I'm in southern Utah.

Have you started weaning them off the heat where they are? At three weeks id be weaning them from the great, exposing them to cool temperatures and preparing them to transition in a week or two....unless you are able to supply heat in the coop and provide an area of safety from other birds already in it(if there are any), in which case id move them now and finish brooding them out there, weaning them off the heat in the next couple of weeks

Ya I take them out for 30 minutes- 1 hour almost everyday. Right now it's storming so I can't. And yes I have electricity at the coop.