When do I put my chicks into their coop?

[Justso]

I brooded mine in the coop from day 1. They're now 3 weeks old and hang out in the run most of the day. (Ignore the cord. That's from when I had them on heat. I just never got around to taking it out. It's gone now)

oh goodness! With my bad eyesight I thought you put little sweaters on all of your chicks!

 

[getaclue]

I put mine in the coop when they are fully feathered out.

 

[Shortstuff]

I have another question. They are getting too big for the brooder, so I'm going to put them in the coop overnight.
How long can they be locked in there without food and water? It's 8pm here now and it's still light. Do I wait until sundown? And I'm an early riser, so I should be up to let them loose into the run around 6:30-7am. I feel like they've been eating and drinking 24/7, so will they be ok without?

 

[rosemarythyme]

How long can they be locked in there without food and water? It's 8pm here now and it's still light. Do I wait until sundown?

They're fine overnight without food or water. Obviously if it's hot out (like today was 94 in Seattle) they need access to water ASAP in the morning, but if you're up at 7, that should be fine.

 

[Shortstuff]

They're fine overnight without food or water. Obviously if it's hot out (like today was 94 in Seattle) they need access to water ASAP in the morning, but if you're up at 7, that should be fine.

Thank you