When can chicks/pullets be outside?

[SouthernBYChickens]

How old do chicks/pullets have to be before they are moved from inside garage to an outside coop/pen? For the record, we live in town so there is not a major predator problem and I do not have any other chickens in the coop/pen. Should I possibly get a grown rooster to put in the pen with them for security just in case? Thanks!!

 

[Y N dottes]

I live in town and I only worry about hawks when they are chicks. There are really no other predators during the day that are going to be very determined to get in a secure coop. I wouldn't get a rooster because I don't think there is much risk, and the rooster could be as big as a problem.
I let my chicks out in their run on their own at 4 weeks. one factor is outside temp. it was about mid may when they were ready to come out, but the temps were still a bit cold. Now that its June and u are in Alabama temp shouldn't be a prob

 

[SouthernBYChickens]

I live in town and I only worry about hawks when they are chicks. There are really no other predators during the day that are going to be very determined to get in a secure coop. I wouldn't get a rooster because I don't think there is much risk, and the rooster could be as big as a problem.
I let my chicks out in their run on their own at 4 weeks. one factor is outside temp. it was about mid may when they were ready to come out, but the temps were still a bit cold. Now that its June and u are in Alabama temp shouldn't be a prob

Thank you. That is what I was kind of thinking too. My wife loves the chicks, but they are starting to dusty and stink up the garage so I was going to move them down to my out building, but I was wanting to just go ahead and move them to the permanent coop/pen. I'm like you - the only real predators that might be a problem are hawks, but I ran weed-eater line across the top of the pen in many different directions and have never lost one to predators so far. In fact, I watched one hawk just sit on a corner post one time and watch the chickens, but he never went in for a meal. I might just go ahead and move them down there seeing that they are going to be 4 weeks tomorrow. Thanks for your input!!