when do chicks out-grow their cardboard condo?

[fargosmom]

Our 4 chicks are a month old now (2 BRs and 2 EEs). They're doing fine right now but I'm concerned they'll outgrow their digs before it's time to transition them outside. From what I've read they should be about 3 months before moving outside . . . but the box they're in is roughly a 30 inch cube. Will that still be big enough for 4 chicks at that age? I don't think I can fit a bigger box in my house; is it possible to move them outdoors sooner if the weather is really nice? What temps would be safe?

 

[Chicken Woman]

I have mine in the garage in a box that is 4 ft by 5 ft by 3 ft. They are 5 weeks old. I have lots of shavings in there and a heat lamp.
I have another box about 2 by 2 ft inside and they sometimes get in there and sometimes just spread out. They have been in the garage for about a week.

 

[kyeschicks]

well I take mine at 3 WEEKS not MONTHS

 

[CBee]

It just kind of depends on your weather, and your personal preference, as well. I moved mine out at 2 months old, and we didn't even have the coop finished. We just put a big plastic tub on it's side in the fenced in area for protection against the elements. Just make sure if you do move them outside at a younger age that they have enough shavings/straw/heat lamps to keep warm. Although at two months I think they are old enough to withstand temps as low as what-maybe 55 or 60? So it's not like they are as venerable anymore.

 

[fargosmom]

So as long as night temps are say mid-50s or higher they should be ok? 2 months sounds much more practical for our setup . . . and by March the weather should be good. Yay! We're building the coop this weekend (or at least starting) so by the time it's finished we'll be on our way!