When can i ditch the light and when can they go outside?

[rachelwillow]

It's about 68-70 in our house and my girls are 6 weeks old. I've been turning the light off during the day but they seem to like it at night when the temp drops as low as 62. But is it necessary? Last night when I turned it on they all got up and moved right under it, but when I woke up they were on the opposite side of the brooder.

Also, when can we get them outside? The chick dust is driving me bonkers! It will be cool here until June. Days sometime get up to 65 or 70 buy normally are closer to 55-60. Nights can still get very cold, last week it went down to 28 but normal is around 40-45 at this time of year. I'd love to put then in their coop but it's quite a big temperature change from inside to outside.

 

[chickendude9]

6 to 8 weeks is the prime time to out your hens outside. if they are bantams keep them inside for the full eight weeks.

 

[chickendude9]

Also, you can out a heat lamp in there if you fell the need.

 

[TweetyNPetey]

My Seramas are 12-15 weeks old, and I know they should have been otside a long time ago, but my Seramas are still so small! I know they are a small breed, but I feel that I should keep them inside until the weather warms up. What do you think?

 

[chickendude9]

you can DEFINITELY put them outside by then, even if there small or bantams. as long as they have each other and a well-built coop they will be fine.

 

[mcurry]

My Reds are 4-5 wks old & feathering out on wings, chest, tail, & a lil bit on back. Can't wait to put them out. Not much longer.

 

[Ladybug2001]

I noticed that they don't really need the lamp, they just don't like the dark. My girls and boys are six weeks old and they are full time outside and they love it. Chickens like tone able to stretch their wings. What is the temperature outside like?

Edit because I just seen the tempurature. What breed of chicks do you have?

 

[rachelwillow]

I noticed that they don't really need the lamp, they just don't like the dark. My girls and boys are six weeks old and they are full time outside and they love it. Chickens like tone able to stretch their wings. What is the temperature outside like?

Edit because I just seen the tempurature. What breed of chicks do you have?

I have a wyandotte, barred Plymouth rock, gold sex link, speckled Sussex, and a Brahma. It's been pretty warn these past few days but it's not going to stick. It often gets cold and wet in April.

 

[rachelwillow]

They are in a 4x4 brooder, so they still have lots of room. They are just dusty and my house is starting to smell like a barn, lol.

 

[Ladybug2001]

The barred Plymouth rocks and red sex links are hardy breeds and I'm sure would be fine. As for the other breeds I'm not accustomed to.