When to move outside at night?

[redchief000]

I have 4 dominques that are about 5 weeks old now (my first chickens). They have been spending there days outside in the coup (building a run this weekend) but I'm wondering if they are ok for spending nights out there yet? I live in east Texas so the weather here is now 90s in the day and maybe 70 @ night. They are getting big for there brooder (40gal container w/ heat lamp which is set high up now). Will they still need a heating source?

 

[sourland]

They can be moved outside on a permanent basis quite safely.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've had 5-week-old chicks outside with no supplemental heat down to freezing. With a low of 70 F yours will be very safe with no heat.

 

[3KillerBs]

I usually have chicks completely off heat by 4 weeks. Sometimes earlier in hot weather and occasionally at 5 weeks if it's quite cold.

 

[redchief000]

Thank you all. One issue right now is even in the evening they don't go into the coop (although I put them in there at the start of the day). I assume I should put them in at night until they get they idea?

 

[3KillerBs]

Thank you all. One issue right now is even in the evening they don't go into the coop (although I put them in there at the start of the day). I assume I should put them in at night until they get they idea?

Yes, it might take them a little while to learn that the coop is where they should sleep.

 

[corthendo]

I’m in the same boat my four week old chicks have been outside all day and then I bring them in at night. I’m freaked out they will get too cold lol. But they are getting really big for the brooder