When can I move my chicks outside?

[Tansie]

I have 4 chicks who will be 5 weeks old on Sunday, and I'm just wondering when they will be feathered enough to make the big move outside? They have been going outside for most of the day for nearly two weeks because the weather has been really warm, but today,in true English fashion, it has rained continuously. I have taken them outside and put some tarp over their run to keep them dry but I don't know how long they will be able to be outside and stay warm. My family are encouraging me to move them outside because they keep escaping from the brooder (I've not quite worked out how yet) but I don't know how well they will get on? Should I provide heat if they do move out? Should I keep them inside longer? Help

Here are a few photos I've just taken of them. They are hard to capture so sorry for the bad quality

 

[3riverschick]

Hi,

Looks like their feathers in their breasts are "zipped up" ( they meet in the middle for a fully feathered breast). I use that as a "marker" to tell me it's ok to put them outside. . Covering the run is a smart move, as I also keep my runs covered here in western PA, USA. Keeps the birds and ground dry, smile. Just a tarp over the top, zip tied with those plastic fasteners. I would just put som extra deep bedding down I th coop for them to nestle down in.
Best,
Karen

 

[GitaBooks]

If it stays above 60 F they shouldn't need any heat. At this age they cuddle up together to stay warm, since they would be too large to be covered by a mother.

Best of luck!

 

[cruxmama]

From what I have read, the first week they need average minimum temps around 90-95 degrees, the second week around 85-90 degrees, the third week around 80-85 degrees, the fourth week around 75-80 degrees, and so on, dropping by 5 degrees each week... I am taking that to mean that when the recommended temp matches the average night temps where you are, they can move outside. In general, it seems they have more trouble coping with temps that are too hot than temps that are too cold, but best to stick by that guideline when they are babies, because they don't yet have all of their feathers yet. My babies are 11 days old now, and I am figuring they will move outside full-time somewhere about mid-August, or about 4 to 5 weeks old. Of course, I'm in FL, with nighttime temps averaging around 75 - 80, so your situation might vary... There are ways to tell by looking at the feathers too, but I'm not sure about those; just the temp guidelines that were in all of the books I read... Hope that helps!

 

[Tansie]

The weather across the next few days is set to be quite wet, so I think I'll keep them inside until Wednesday and have another look. Last night was their first night with no light whatsoever and they chirped for a while but then they slept solidly all night, rather than waking up at random times. When I looked in on them before work at 5am this morning, two were cuddled into "mum" (a big teddy bear), and two were asleep under the light bulb but the bulb was off. Does that mean they were cold? If they associate that corner with warmth? Their outdoor house will be a big rabbit hutch (about 6 foot long, 2 foot wide) that was being given away for free. What can I do to make it more homely/interesting/warm/suitable? They do have an outdoor run for during the day but they will be shut in at night