When can they go out for good with NO light..

[MakNat]

Can 10 week olds go out for good.. They are still in a brooder cage with a light... But really I've had something else come up and I need that space. They look like they are all feathered. It hasn't been above freezing here and the nights still going to be in the low 20s and the days will rise to the 40s. But it is still winter... They do run out in the barn free during the day and don't seem to be bothered. I'm afraid that them being used to the light when they want it they will get sick...

 

[The Egg Bandit]

I'm curious too. I have seven-weekers that are used to 70 degree temps. It is 30 at night and 50 during the day here. No electric in the barn. I NEED the space, too.

 

[mikenandrea]

I put mine out that early.. I am not saying it is ok, but they survived.. And it was colder than it is now.. BTW, I am in GA

 

[SunnyDawn]

At 4 weeks and above it is OK for them to go outside on sunny days. Just provide plenty of water and protection from predators. Make the fencing strong w/ small openings since snakes can get through most wire fencing and racoons can tear off weak wire fencing. Don't forget protection from above as well (crows, hawks, eagles). Once my babies were too big for the local birds of prey to handle I just removed the cover on my run. I waited until mine were 6 weeks before I put them out in the coop at nights but it was well into spring by then. Make sure the coop is extra predator proof since a lot of them hunt at night.
There is a lot more great info on the Learning Center pages. Good Luck!

 

[MuranoFarms]

Ten week olds don't need the light, but I think they should have the option at first.
I put 7 weekers out with a light. Within a week the were roosting on the top rails above the light. They had plenty of space and a roost under the light, but they chose to be above it. So I would say 10 weeks should be fine. Oh...it's been snowing here and the coop is generally about 32-34 inside.

 

[gritsar]

Oh my goodness! Wean them off that light. They're ready!
I started taking two and a half week old chicks out on sunny, windless days. By five and a half weeks old they were without a light at all, living on the screened porch and the temps. were still dropping into the 40s at night.
Mama hens do not keep the babies under her at all times.
My next crew of chicks will start out in the coop, rather than on the screened porch.

 

[Chickiezz]

Quote:
Same here. Mine did fine,but that was in the summer...so I can't really say.

 

[silkiechicken]

Well... I brood all my chicks from day one outside..... and take their light away at 6 weeks old. Light and heat, when I'd say day temps are in the 40's, and nights in the 30's. Standards and bantams. They do just fine.