When can my heavy breed Rooster Asst. go outside full time??

[bossynbella]

We bought 25 heavy breed roosters this spring with our layers and we have been keeping them in the garage with a light. They are quickly outgrowing our brooder and trying to fly out. All but a couple of the Light Brahma's are mostly feathered out and they will be 5 weeks old on Monday. We have always waited with our layers till they where 8-10 weeks old but I was hoping these guys could go out sooner. We would provide a wooden or metal box like shelter for them to go in at night.
So how soon is too soon? When can I get them outside where they can forage more?

Thanks
Melissa

 

[Mahonri]

Well, if you don't have predators to worry about, then you should be fine, but like they always say, if they are free ranging, be prepared to loose some.

 

[greyfields]

As long as it's above 45 at night, they're fine outside. They need protection from predators, of course.

 

[bossynbella]

Glad to hear it. It is deff. above 45 here at night and they will be in a 6' high fence They will have so much more room to move around out there though! I will be putting them out today! with a shelter for night time.

You guys are so much help.
Melissa

 

[Katy]

I just moved some 2 week olds out today. It's 90's here during the day and they'll have a low watt light at night if they need/want it.