When?!

[little chick-y baby mama]

Some say to put your chicks outside at eight weeks, some seven, some five, and some two! At what age do I really put my chickens in the coop?! Thanks allot!

 

[Ryguy3684]

It depends on your location and the time of year? What's the weather like where you are?

 

[21hens-incharge]

A lot will depend on your weather forecast and whether you have adults out there already.

I personally brood in the coop from the day I bring them home.

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

in the mornings it's about 40 and the average high is about 60. The chicks are nine days old.

 

[cherrynberry]

in the mornings it's about 40 and the average high is about 60. The chicks are nine days old.

I put my chicks out at 7 or so weeks of age, by then they are fully feathered. But again it was in May, when the temperature was really warm, and we separated them from the other hens, until free ranging time.

 

[little chick-y baby mama]

we were planning on mid May!

Thanks! And chick on!!

 

[cmobley]

When chicks have feathered backs they go outside for me. I don't go by weeks just feathered backs. Old man told me long time ago if you let em get a little chilled it makes their feathers come out faster. I dunno if its true but I've never lost one. I'm also in south Alabama our Temps go from 75 one day to 40 the next. If I think it'll get to cool ill put a light out for em.

 

[Baumshell28]

Some say to put your chicks outside at eight weeks, some seven, some five, and some two! At what age do I really put my chickens in the coop?! Thanks allot!

I put mine out at about 4-ish weeks the first time. But then I saw that one of them was rapidly declining. I deduced it was because of the temp & environmental changes from inside house, brooder to outside in a new, *and much cooler* home. I set the brooder back up and brought them back inside for another week (give or take a day). Brought them back out to their new home with no trouble this time.
My point here is just to watch your chickens & be aware of their actions and outward signs. Sorry I couldn’t give you more scientific advice.

 

[CHlCKEN]

It truly depends on the breed, location, and time of year. In the winter it is crucial you wait until they are six to eight weeks old so that they are fully feathered and able to stay warm in the cold weather, especially if you live in a cooler climate. However, if you live in a warm area or it’s spring/summer, you can bring them outside as soon as they are fully feathered, around six weeks or a little earlier. I really don’t judge by time though, rather, I wait until they are feathered and then decide when to put them out.