When can my chicks go outside and be moved in with the older ones?

[roadkillchicken]

Hi

We have three 7 week old chicks. They are currently living in the conservatory (like a green house/outhouse) which isnt as warm as the house but is warmer than outside. I'm just wondering when I can:

1. Put them outside all the time in their coop
2. Live with the older chickens we have. We have a secure coop and area for them.

Ideally I would like them to join the others ASAP.

Thanks
Lee

 

[CityClucks]

from Oklahoma, Lee! Glad you found BYC - you'll learn tons here!

Depending on the breed of chicks you have, they should be fully-feathered at about 8 weeks of age and should be able to handle being outside by then. Some breeds are slower to develop, though. Because it's wintertime and depending on where you are, I'd suggest putting a heat lamp in one corner of the coop when you put them out - just in case. As for integrating them with your older flock, expect the older ones to pick on the younger ones - it would be best if you can put a screen up between them for a week so they can see each other and interact through the screen, but the older birds can't mercilessly peck the young ones.

Use the BYC search bar up there on the right for more info - just type in a subject and you'll assuredly get links to lots of discussions on these topics. Again - welcome and good luck with your chickens!!

 

[hinkjc]

You will also want to consider feed requirements. Layer ration has too much calcium for the young ones and will cause problems later on as they come into maturity. I don't introduce young ones until they are almost laying age to layer groups. This ensures they can tolerate the pecking order and can be on the same feed ration.

I know here we have surpassed the time to acclimate youngsters to cold weather. Any in this age range in PA are now being introduced to outdoors with a heat lamp. If they don't have time to acclimate you risk stressing them or even them smothering each other to try to stay warm. We're down in the 20s at night, so heat lamp is a necessity here. Otherwise, at this age they can tolerate temps in the 60-70F range well. Any dips below that take time to get used to, as chicks are learning to control body temp at this age.

 

[ravenvalor]

Great info on this thread for me, thanks.