When should I take the chicks out of the brooder?

[hotrod71]

I have 6 chicks (4 rir's and two bantams) in a 2x5 dog crate. They are about 6 weeks old and I'm currently working on my coup in the back yard. Am I pushing my luck?

 

[Huny]

Depends on your overnight lows. Here in Arizona I put out 4 week olds, but put a heat lamp at night for two more weeks. I raise "hot house" chicks though. I have a friend who has them out without heat lamps at 3-4 weeks.

Do they have the majority of their feathers in? Are they without a lamp now? (In the brooder without the wind, but without the lamp) Then they should be good. Watch your overnight lows close until you know how well they will do.

 

[hotrod71]

thanks for the reply; right now they're in my barn outback here in Ga. Our overnight lows are still in the mid 40's. yes the majority of they're feathers are in.

 

[Huny]

Our lows have been 45-55 so if they are in a barn with no lamp already I think you'll be fine.