When can they go outside?

[Rt66Kix]

Long story short, I have 3 chickens living in my garage for a few months. They are anywhere between 1 to 2 years old. One of them had a catastrophic injury, and is now on the mend. She lost her left foot, but seems to be moving around okay on the stump.

Our garage stays around 50 degrees since it is partially underground. It also gets warmer because our dryer is vented in there. We have had extremely crazy low temperatures this spring. Just this past weekend the lows were in the upper twenties. It's supposed to get to 83 the middle of the week, and then plummet down to 29 at night again this weekend.

I do have their coop ready to go, and could hook up a heat light inside if necessary. When do y'all think I could safely transition them to being outdoors? Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have mine out at 5-1/2 weeks in those temperatures or a bit lower with no supplemental heat.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree ^^ (generally do) Full grown hens can take widely swinging temperatures. I think they would be fine, the one with the stump might suffer if it gets cold, (being as me with my artificial knee does?).

 

[RWise]

I have had (2) day old chicks (under a hen) out scratching in the snow! And ya, I was worried but got over it. Chickens can handle cold better than hot! I would keep an eye on the injured girl,,,

 

[aart]

It also gets warmer because our dryer is vented in there.

I assume this is an electric dryer?

I'd put them out there during the day, then see how they do at dusk.
I'm betting they'll be fine.....not sure how your amputee will fare.