When can I put chicks outside in the coop?

[sacchicken931]

I'm wondering at what age I can put my chicks outside in the coop. Here in Sacramento, nightime lows are around 60 degrees. In September more like 50-60. I have 1 RIR, 3 aracaunas and a gold sex pullet.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

i'm in the Sacramento area, too. i think with the weather as nice as it is, once your chicks get feathered out, they should be fine. That is generally 3-4 weeks. If you have delicate bantams, you may want to wait a bit longer. Just make sure they have a nice snug coop to sleep in.

 

[sacchicken931]

Will I be okay with this coop? I don't think the hutch is enclosed; you can view it at

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/grd/1317760855.html

 

[Mahlzeit]

A good rule of thumb is to wait until they are feathered out or atleast mostly feathered out. For your area I would say those coops would be fine just make sure you face it away from the direction the wind normally blows. Drafts are no good for chicks or chickens. Good luck.

 

[buglit]

Wow, that is a beautiful open air coop. Just what I have been trying to come up with.

 

[Jennings Gamefowl]

Quote:
just thinking wow thats a nice coop... i would love to have something like that... i might try making something like that

 

[mrstiffanymayer]

I live in Southern CA in the San Joaquin Valley and our summer temps are 110+ and maybe get into the high 70's at night. I have had my chicks outside starting @ 2 weeks with absolutely no problem. I think it depends on temperature/drafts.

 

[2txmedics]

Ok, Im way out here in South Texas...my hatch is 11 days old...when can I set them outside in there very own little area??? I know I can put them with my hens/roo born in March...no way....

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I'm in southwest Arkansas. If I had chicks right now, they would be out in a draft free coop from day one. I may or may not use a heat lamp at night, depending on whether it's dry or not; but they would be out.
I didn't brood my first batch in the house and the second batch will be brooded in the coop from day one. I'm going to order for delivery around the 1st of June and use a SECURE heat lamp for a couple of weeks, but that's it.

 

[jasonw]

I live in Ione. Not far from Sacramento and I have lost 6 Chickens this year to the heat. 4 of those were Bantams. Be careful.