6 week old chicks when to put outside

[ziggy]

hi all, ive 5 chicks 6 weeks now , been off lamp in daytime for week now , is it ok to put them out into a shelterd coop , on there own , theres 5 together seperated from my older hens ? regards

 

[victorias poultry]

I tend to put my chicks outside once they have feathered up, depending on breed but at around 6 - 7 weeks, just keep an eye on them, you could always as it has gone cold at night at present have them outside in a secure run during the day and bring them back inside at night for a further week or so

Regards Sue

 

[Chuck]

I agree. Very cold nights in the S.E. bordering on frosts but very warm days & the fluctuations don't help. Better to play safe as if they get chilled, they are more susceptible to disease.

 

[ziggy]

yes they have featherd up and ive had them off lamp in day time , il see how it goes , in midlands so not too severe here, they have plenty off bedding . thanks

 

[Marigold]

I had my current two chicks at 5 weeks and the experienced breeder I got them from said it was fine to put them out in a small sheltered run on short grass during the day and bring them in at night. He said don't let them get wet as they're not fully feathered yet. So I have them in a small coop with a wire arch top, and I've put a sheet of plastic over the top, retained by elastic ropes, to give shelter from wind and rain. They get plenty of air as the coop has uncovered mesh front and back, and also the plastic doesn't completely cover the arch, just the top and the side where the wind is coming from that day. I place the coop somewhere where shade is also available at all times during the day, and I move it every day so they always get clean grass in the morning, and hose down the previous day's spot to keep the grass growing. They're now 9 weeks and growing really well.