You love to see pet chickens in your backyard but don’t know when can chicks go outside. Well, like kids, baby chickens have important growing stages to go outside.
Chicks can start going outside for short trips when they are around three to four weeks old. However, they are not old enough to live outside until they are fully feathered, which is around six weeks. It is important to keep the chicks at optimal temperatures to help them stay healthy.
In this article, we’ll look at things like how old the chicks are, the right weather, and the comfort zone. Also, you’ll have a guide for letting your little chicks explore and have fun outside.
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When Can Chicks Go Outside? 4 Considerations Before Leaving Them Outside!
Chicks can start exploring the outdoors around the third or fourth week. But it depends on their age and feathering. What about leaving chicks outside permanently? They’re not ready to live outside permanently until they have full feathers.
When planning outdoor time for your chicks, pick suitable temperatures and weather conditions. This helps them enjoy the surroundings. Also, it provides a chance for bonding and makes them friendlier hens or roosters.
According to the Journal of Applied Poultry, chicks exposed to natural light for at least 8 hours daily have better growth rates and lower mortality rates. It’s when compared to those kept in the dark.
Another study in the same journal found that chicks are exposed to red light 24 hours a day. It also has better growth rates and lower mortality rates.
However, here are some considerations to keep in mind!
1. Age Consideration
Prioritize their age when you decide to put the chicks outside. People ask, Can 2-month-old chicks stay outside? And for them, my reply is a clear no!
But, not all chicks are ready to go outside at the same time – it depends on their breed. You should watch how they grow. In the first few weeks, chicks change a lot. They start as fluffy babies and grow feathers. But, until these feathers are fully grown, they can’t control their body temperature well.
2. Weather Condition
Considering the weather is crucial when deciding to let your chicks go outside. Chicks are sensitive to temperature extremes. So choose days with mild and comfortable weather for their outdoor adventures.
Extreme heat or cold can stress and harm chicks. If it’s too hot, they might struggle to stay cool, and in cold weather, they may struggle to stay warm without their full feathers. Aim for moderate temperatures, ideally around 70°F (21°C) or above.
Additionally, avoid taking them outside during heavy rain, strong winds, or other harsh weather conditions. Ensure the day is calm and pleasant. So that it provides a safe and enjoyable experience.
3. Predator Protection
Keeping your chicks safe from predators is crucial when they go outside. Foxes, birds of prey, and even neighborhood cats or dogs can pose a threat.
To protect them, create a safe outdoor area with small openings in the fencing to keep predators out. Regularly check for any gaps or weaknesses in the enclosure.
If possible, watch over your chicks while they are outside for an extra layer of protection.
Include a shelter within the outdoor space. It helps the chicks to hide if they sense danger. A secure coop or enclosed area is a lifesaver!
4. Assessing Individual Chicks
You can also watch how your chicks act in the brooder. If they’re lively, curious, and social, they’re probably ready for the outdoors.
Look out for any signs of stress or sickness. If a chick seems tired, struggles to breathe, or acts oddly, it might not be ready for outside time.
By observing their behavior and health, you can decide if they’re prepared to go outside.
See the video to learn more about the right time to let the chicks go outside.
Ideal Timetable for Putting Chickens Outside for the First Time
Deciding when to let chickens go outside with their mothers involves thinking about many things. Begin with short supervised outings, making them longer as the chicks get used to it. This helps them adjust to the outside while staying safe.
But, there are important things to know before letting chickens outside:
- Consideration Factors: Think about various factors when deciding the right time.
- Start Slow: Begin with short outings to help chicks get comfortable.
- Safety First: Always make sure the environment is safe for them.
To clear out more things about chicks going outside, here are some queries and answers!
When can chicks stay outside at night?
Chicks can sleep outside at night when they have full feathers, usually at 6 to 8 weeks old. This might vary depending on their breed. Feathers help chicks stay warm on cooler nights.
Before letting chicks sleep outside, make sure it’s safe and without predators. Start with short stays, and watch how they act. And, let them stay longer as they get used to it.
Always check the weather and give them a safe place to sleep. Pay attention to how they feel and act during this change. It’ll ensure they’re comfortable and safe outside at night.
Can chicks go outside in summer?
Yes, chicks can go outside in the summer. Summer is generally a great time for chicks to explore the outdoors, as the weather is warm, and there is plenty of natural light.
But ensure that the outdoor temperature is not too hot. Chicks, like other animals, can be sensitive to extreme heat. Provide shade and access to fresh water to keep them cool.
Is it good for baby chicks to go outside without a heat lamp?
Once baby chicks have full feathers, they can go outside without a heat lamp. But how long do chicks need a heat lamp? It’s when they become 6 to 8 weeks old.
But, it’s crucial to check the weather. Make sure it’s not too cold, especially at night. Chicks are sensitive to cold until they have all their feathers.
So, it’s important to give them a warm and sheltered place when they’re outside. Always watch how they act and adjust if needed.
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When to move baby chicks outside from brooder to coop?
You can move your baby chicks from the brooder to the coop when they are 6 to 8 weeks old and fully feathered.
But what temperature is suitable for chicks to go outside? It’s best to do this when the nighttime temperature is consistently above 50°F (10°C) for at least a week. Also, make sure the daytime temperature is around 65°F or 70°F (18°C or higher). It’s what RoostandRoot found as an ideal temperature.
Before moving them, ensure the coop is safe from predators and has good ventilation without drafts. Put food, water, and bedding in the coop.
See the video for a clear understanding –
To help chicks adjust, let them spend short periods outside during the day at first. Gradually increase the time until they are comfortable. Once they are used to it, you can move them to the coop permanently.
Note: Watch them closely, especially during the first few nights, to make sure they stay warm and safe.
When is it okay for new chicks to stay outside during winter?
A chick’s roaming outside depends on the surroundings. Some chicks can go outside when they’ve feathers, and some chicks can’t go until they’re 3 months old. It’s not a controversy, but a matter of common sense, how much is the cold tolerance of a baby chick.
Chicken breeds that are extremely cold tolerant, can roam at a temperature like -22 degrees Fahrenheit. In this regard, having an in-depth idea about the cold-tolerant chicken breeds will help.
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What Happens If You Put Chicks Outside Too Early?
Leaving chicks outdoors too early increases the risk of hypothermia. Also, it exposes them to potential illness and injury. So, it’s crucial to wait until they are fully feathered.
As I said wait at least around 6-8 weeks of age. It’s what makes them at least survive outside.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to putting chicks go outside.
Q. What signs of stress or illness should I look for during outdoor time?
Watch for less eating, tiredness, aggression, or feather loss. Odd sounds or labored breathing can be the reason for stress as well.
Q. How long should I allow my chicks to stay outside initially?
Start short outdoor trips during mild weather to help chicks adjust gradually. For Week 4, 80°F and more time outside. When in week 5, 75°F and turn off the heat lamp if the house is warm. In week 6, 70°F and Acclimate fully feathered chicks to all-day outdoor stays.
After 6 Weeks, they are ready for Outside! Chicks can handle 30°F and lower with proper acclimation.
Summarization
So, when can chicks go outside? Deciding when chicks can go outside depends on age, feathers, and weather. Wait until they’re fully feathered, around 6-8 weeks, so they can stay warm. Gradually introduce them outdoors, watch for stress or illness, and ensure a secure space.
Paying attention to these aspects helps create a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. It also gonna promote the health and well-being of the chicks for poultry enthusiasts.
