Introducing Your Chickens To The Great Outdoors

Raising chickens can be an exciting endeavour, but it can be daunting to decide when it's safe for them to transition to the outside world. The exact time chicks can move outside depends on your setup and local weather, rather than their age. Generally, chicks are ready to venture outside when they are fully covered in feathers and can regulate their body temperatures. This usually occurs when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old, but it can vary depending on the breed.

The importance of weather and temperature

The weather and temperature play a crucial role in determining when chicks can be introduced to the outdoors. While some sources suggest that chicks can be taken outside for short periods from as early as three to four weeks of age, the general consensus is that they should be at least six weeks old, with some sources recommending waiting until they are eight weeks old.

The ideal outdoor temperature for chicks depends on their age and the presence of supplemental heat. If the daytime temperature is between 60°F and 70°F, four-week-old chicks can be outside with a heater. At this age, they can go without a heater if the temperature is above 70°F. However, if the temperature drops to between 50°F and 60°F at night, a heater is necessary for four to six-week-old chicks. Once they are eight weeks old, they can do without a heater at night in these temperatures.

If the daytime temperature is in the 80s, as it was for one chicken owner in July, it is safe for chicks to be outside without supplemental heat. However, it is important to ensure that chicks do not get too hot, as this can be dangerous for them.

Chicks that are six weeks old and older can typically tolerate cooler temperatures, with some sources recommending that they can go outside as long as the temperature is above 50°F. Cold-tolerant breeds may even tolerate temperatures in the 40s. However, it is important to monitor the chicks' behavior to ensure they are not too cold. If they are huddled together and chirping loudly, it is an indication that they are too cold.

In addition to temperature, it is crucial to consider the weather conditions and season when taking chicks outside. For example, providing supplemental heat may be necessary for longer during very cold winters. On the other hand, in the heat of summer, chicks may only require supplemental heat for a few weeks.

Overall, the weather and temperature are critical factors in determining when and how long chicks can be outside. It is important to gradually acclimate them to the outdoors, ensuring they have access to shelter, food, and water, and monitoring their behavior to ensure their comfort and safety.

Predators and protection

The age at which chickens can be let outside depends on their health, weather conditions, and the setup of their living space. Generally, chickens should be mostly feathered and outgrowing their brooder box, which usually happens around 4-6 weeks of age. At this age, they can begin to have short supervised "field trips" outside to exercise and explore. However, it is important to monitor their behaviour and ensure they are not huddling to keep warm or lethargic, as this indicates they are not yet ready for outdoor temperatures.

Keeping chickens safe from predators is a significant challenge for chicken keepers. Here are some tips to protect your chickens:

• Identify Local Predators: The first step is to know which predators are common in your area. Common chicken predators include dogs, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, wild cats, raccoons, opossums, snakes, hawks, owls, and bears.
• Secure the Coop: Ensure the chicken coop is secure and locked, especially at night when chickens are most vulnerable. Chicken wire is not sufficient protection against predators, as they can easily break through it. Instead, use sturdy materials like hardware cloth, burying it at least 12 inches underground and extending it horizontally from the coop to prevent digging predators from entering.
• Cover the Run: Protect against flying and climbing predators by covering the run with a roof or hardware cloth. Netting can also be strung on top of the run to deter hawks and owls, but it may not stop determined climbing predators.
• Electric Fencing: Install electric poultry netting or electric fencing to deter larger predators like bears. Bait the fence with something tasty, like bacon, to prevent them from returning.
• Motion Sensors and Lights: Install predator deterrent systems with motion sensors, blinking red lights, and alarms to scare away potential intruders.
• Change Protection Techniques: Predators can get accustomed to routines, so regularly change your protection methods. For example, move a scarecrow to different locations in the yard every few days.
• Train Chickens: Teach chickens to return to the coop at night from an early age. This will help keep them safe when they are most vulnerable.
• Identify Culprits: If you lose a chicken, try to identify the culprit to implement specific protection techniques for that predator.
• Embrace Technology: Utilize technology like automatic chicken coop doors with motion detection, predator guard solar lights, and wildlife cameras to monitor and protect your chickens.

Remember, protecting your chickens is crucial, as they are an easy target for many predators. By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your feathered friends to hungry intruders.

Chickens' physical development

The exact time chicks can move outside depends on the setup and local weather rather than their age. Generally, it is recommended to wait until they are 6 weeks old as they are mostly feathered by this age and can regulate their body temperature. Before letting them out, they should be acclimated to the outside temperature, and their coop should be predator-proof.

Chicken Physical Development

Chickens go through six important growth stages from baby chick to retirement. The first stage is the embryonic stage, where the embryo is developing inside the egg. The second stage is when the chick hatches and spends most of its time underneath the mother hen, venturing out occasionally to explore, eat, and drink. During this stage, they require a constant heat source, and the temperature should be decreased by 5 degrees each week. By the fifth week, the temperature should be around 70 degrees. At this age, they can be taken outside for short periods of time to exercise and expand their diets.

The third stage is when the chicks are fully feathered at around 6 weeks old. At this stage, they can be moved outside, but it is important to ensure that they are not too cold by observing their behavior. If they are huddling together under a heat source, they may need to be brought back inside.

The fourth stage is when the physical differences between genders become more obvious, which is between weeks 7 and 15. During this stage, it is important to provide the proper nutrition to support the chick's growth, including at least 18% protein, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.

The fifth stage is when the hen starts laying eggs, usually around weeks 16-17. At this point, the diet should be switched to a layer feed to match their energy needs.

The sixth and final stage is retirement, when the hen stops laying eggs. This usually occurs around 18 months when the first molt occurs, and the hen will take a break from egg-laying and shed feathers for a few weeks. During this stage, it is important to increase the protein content of their diet to support feather regrowth.

Supervising outdoor time

Before letting your chicks outside, it is important to prepare their outdoor space. The area must provide your chicks with a safe and comfortable living space. Seal off any openings or gaps where predators may enter with sturdy wire mesh. If your chicks will be joining other hens, create a separate space where the chicks can initially be kept apart from them. This will allow you to slowly integrate the chicks into the flock to minimize conflict and stress for both groups of birds.

Once your outdoor space is prepared, you can begin introducing your chicks to their new surroundings. A good way to do this is to carry the brooder outside and place it inside the coop. You can also use a portable pet carrier. Set the brooder or carrier in the coop, so chicks can take in their new surroundings, and open it to allow them to explore.

When your chicks are outside, watch how they act. Happy flapping and pecking are good signs that they are healthy and warm enough. If they are huddling together, they may be too cold and need to be brought inside.

The transition process

Prepare the Chicken Coop

First, ensure that your chicken coop is adequately prepared for the chicks. Inspect the coop for any openings or gaps where predators may enter and harm the chicks. Seal off these areas with sturdy wire mesh or hardware cloth. If your coop is not well-insulated, add extra weather protection to provide insulation and protect your chicks from harsh winter conditions. Check for any cracks in the walls and seal them to prevent drafts.

Maintain a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Provide a deep layer of bedding, like straw or wood shavings, to help insulate the floor and keep the chicks warm. If your chicks require additional heat, consider a safe heat source like a chicken coop heater, but avoid heat lamps due to the risk of fire. Ensure that feeders and waterers are placed at appropriate heights for your chicks.

Supervise and Monitor

When your chicks are first introduced to the outdoors, they should be supervised until they are acclimated to their surroundings. Start with small periods of supervised free-ranging time in a fully enclosed chicken run and gradually increase the duration. Monitor their interactions with other chickens and intervene if you see any bullying or aggression taking place.

Timing is Key

The exact time to move your chicks outside depends more on your setup and local weather than an arbitrary age. Generally, it is recommended to wait until your chicks are at least 6-8 weeks old, as they are typically fully feathered by this age and can regulate their body temperatures. However, if you live in a cold climate, it may be necessary to keep your chicks in their brooder for a longer period, up to 12-16 weeks.

Integrate Gradually

If you already have adult hens in your coop, create a separate space to initially keep the chicks apart from them. You can then gradually integrate the chicks into the flock by removing the partition after about two weeks. However, keep in mind that the birds will still need to establish a pecking order, so monitor their interactions closely and separate any chicks that are being targeted by older hens.

Consistency and Routine

Consistency is important during transitions. Maintain a routine with how and when you let the chickens free-range, and continue to provide free-choice, high-quality, complete feed and fresh water. Before opening the coop, offer the chicks their complete starter-grower feed and fresh water to ensure they eat before foraging.

Frequently asked questions