When can they move into the coop?

[PuffMommy]

My 6 chicks are a week old and the coop is almost ready. I've read that they're supposed to stay indoors until they are fully feathered (about 6 weeks?). Does this apply in the summer too? I was hoping to get them out into the coop as soon as possible. Can I run a cord and keep the heat lamp on out there at night? Thanks!

 

[gritsar]

My chicks started outside in a shed. Because the shed had electricity I didn't have a problem keeping it at the temp. right for them.
Basically you can keep your chicks anywhere as long as it's warm enough for their age and draft-free. You can run a cord to use their heat lamp, but I'm really paranoid about fire.

 

[BearSwampChick]

Mine went into the coop at 3 weeks when it was still in the low 40's and occasional high 30 range at night. At 5 weeks I stopped using the heat lamp. They will be fine.