When can my chickens go outside??

[arwebb8419]

I have 7 leghorns and they are 3.5 weeks old! I've been letting them spend all day in their coop and then bringing them back in their brooder at night. I was wondering if I can leave them out all night in their coop? The weather is 80 during the day and 55-60ish at night. I'm worried about it being too cold? They love being outside, and definitely don't want to leave when I come get them at dusk. I'm a first time chicken owner and I love my little babies! Thank you!!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and ! Great to have you in our community! The conventional wisdom is when they are fully feathered they can go into the coop. Of course, much depends on climate, type of bird, night time temps, and quality of the coop (cozy or or drafty).
Here's a link that will shed some light https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens
Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC!

 

[junebuggena]

I have 7 leghorns and they are 3.5 weeks old! I've been letting them spend all day in their coop and then bringing them back in their brooder at night. I was wondering if I can leave them out all night in their coop? The weather is 80 during the day and 55-60ish at night. I'm worried about it being too cold? They love being outside, and definitely don't want to leave when I come get them at dusk. I'm a first time chicken owner and I love my little babies! Thank you!!

I've had chicks that age outside, full time, with no heat, in 35 to 50 degree weather. Yours will be fine.

 

[CuzChickens]

Hello, and welcome to Backyard chickens! I hope you enjoy it here. I would leave a light on them, but I say they are probably good to stay out at this point. Have fun on BYC!

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

I would wait until they are at least six weeks. Chicks who are in colder temps at a young age often grow more poorly as they spend so much energy on keeping warm.

 

[JoshFig]

I'm in Georgia and put mine outside at 1 week - they are about the same age as yours - 2.5 weeks old now. Its currently around 80 during the day and 60 at night. They have been fine. I did do two things to help them out with heat:
1) Gave them a cardboard box with a 4x4 inch hole cut about 2" off the ground - filled the bottom 2 inches w/ wood shavings. They cuddle up in there at night to sleep and are plenty warm. I did have to stuff them in there the first 2 nights but they learned after that.

2) If its cold in the morning (below 55 degrees) - i've given them an hour or two of heat lamp in the AM after they come out of the box.

They have been out for a week and a half and seem to be doing great. Growing and feathering well. AND - the basement (where we had the brooder) smells much better.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Cynthia12]

I agree with letting them outside! Especially if you are having that kind of weather.

 

[drumstick diva]

I agree with Queen Misha, I like to err on the side of caution.

 

[ninjawesome]

Hi and

! We are glad you joined the flock!