When to move chicks outside to coop

[CrazyChickains]

We are new to chickens and are wondering when we can move them outside. We have an outside coop, but also built one to put in the garage when it is really cold. We have been having nights down in the 20’s and 30’s and our chicks are 6 weeks old and mostly fully feathered. We don’t have a spot in the garage coop to put the heat plate. They have been in our basement with the heat plate. What do you suggest?

 

[aart]

At 6 weeks it's time to wean them off the heat plate, turn the plate off or turn it down really low.
Get the basement area as cool as possible to acclimate them to a cooler ambient temp,
then put them in the garage. Maybe even put them in the outside coop during the day.

Welcome to BYC! @CrazyChickains
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[CrazyChickains]

At 6 weeks it's time to wean them off the heat plate, turn the plate off or turn it down really low.
Get the basement area as cool as possible to acclimate them to a cooler ambient temp,
then put them in the garage. Maybe even put them in the outside coop during the day.

Welcome to BYC! @CrazyChickains
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3691200

We are in Southern Wisconsin.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would take them outside durning the day, unless you are in a blizzard. But they will do fine clear below zero, which I think won't come yet for a while.

Truthfully, you could just put them out in the coop /run, and leave them. They will do perfectly fine. But people who are still adding heat, tend not to believe that.

A lot of people worry about a sudden temperature change as being hard on them, but it really does not faze them. In western SD, we have fairly radical changes in temperature in spring and fall and winter. It is not uncommon to be in the 60-70's, and two days later not make 30 degrees and colder. They really don't grow thicker feathers, it is more of how they hold the feathers, saving body heat, or letting it go.

Mrs K

 

[kengboss21]

Throw them outside watch for huddling but 90% sure they’ll be unfazed