Our coop is almost done. It has 3 protected sides (will keep out the west sun) and the rest is screened in with 1/2"x1/2" coated wire cloth.
How old are your chicks? I think the usual age is 4-5 wks. old. Sometimes a little older, they must have all there feather before they can live in the coop.
I know that all birds can go out if they are fully feathered and the temp is warm. Different breeds grow at different rates, but 6 weeks old is a good number to know when they can be outside. If it is cold then provide a heat source and they will do well. I am in the south so it is quite warm (mid 80's), and I have 3 BSL's that can go out anytime, and 9 other birds at 3-4 weeks that will go next week or two. Keep 'em warm, watered and fed (and protected from predators) and they will thrive!
what is the age? if they have a nice heat source & away from a draft they will be fine...if not keep them in a little longer. I put mine out at 1 week in March, but I had 2 75wt. bulbs on them and there was no draft coming in the brooder....I have 19 little D'Uccle Bantams in the brooder now and today I checked and they had all gone to the other side of the brooder to get away from the heat lamps. they are feathering out nicely, of course I live in Va. so it's pretty Hot and Humid here right now.
