When to move outside? (Central Texas)

[OnlyOneCannoli]

Howdy all. Just a quick question. I've searched and found lots of stuff for other areas but none for around here! Anyhow I've got 12 leghorn pullets approx 5-6 weeks old and they're getting pretty cramped in the dog crate I have them in at night. On top of that the heat lamp burned out last night so they were just chilling in the garage. I am fairly certain we are past any real cold weather here, but I'm just not sure what is safe for them. Current night time temps for the next ten days should get down to like 65. I've been telling the girls that after 70 in the morning it's safe to take them outside so I figure they are probably fine but would rather have some more experienced input. Should I leave them in the coop now? Will they still need a heat lamp at night? Anything else y'all can think of I could be missing?

Also...on a similar note...when would be a good time to let them start to free range during the day? Should I wait till they are a certain size/age first? Thanks for all y'alls input. I appreciate it.

 

[Homesteader Julie]

Howdy all. Just a quick question. I've searched and found lots of stuff for other areas but none for around here! Anyhow I've got 12 leghorn pullets approx 5-6 weeks old and they're getting pretty cramped in the dog crate I have them in at night. On top of that the heat lamp burned out last night so they were just chilling in the garage. I am fairly certain we are past any real cold weather here, but I'm just not sure what is safe for them. Current night time temps for the next ten days should get down to like 65. I've been telling the girls that after 70 in the morning it's safe to take them outside so I figure they are probably fine but would rather have some more experienced input. Should I leave them in the coop now? Will they still need a heat lamp at night? Anything else y'all can think of I could be missing?

Also...on a similar note...when would be a good time to let them start to free range during the day? Should I wait till they are a certain size/age first? Thanks for all y'alls input. I appreciate it.

In my personal experience, mine went outside at this age or just before with no heat lamp at night this last March. I introduced them to their own pen and sleeping quarters for a week or two and have supervised free range. Then I left the pen open for free range after the first week or 2. It was to get them used to knowing where they sleep and eat, and establishing their rhythm. I live in Kerrville.

 

[Peppercorngal]

If they are pretty much feathered (probably except their heads), they are fine to be outside with a heat lamp. Feathers are the warmest covering in nature and cold is not something you have to worry about with chickens. Put them in their coop now! If you see them huddling together to sleep, most likely it's not because they are cold, they just like to be together for the safety they feel. I raise my chicks outside from day 2! Yes, with a heat lamp! Good Luck with your new flock!

 

[Mrs. K]

Week 3, mine move out without heat, but they do have adequate shelter from the wind, and a place to get out of the rain, and a bit of shade.

 

[OnlyOneCannoli]

Ok! Well they’re all set up for the night! We’ll see how it goes. Thanks everyone!

 

[OnlyOneCannoli]

Well, night one was a success! I did go out there a few times before I went to bed to make sure they were ok. Instead of using the roosting bars though they kept huddled together on the ground but they are still young. They'll figure it out. Thanks for y'alls input!