out of the brooder and into the house

simo_5 · **Joined:** Wed Sep 25, 2013 4:43 pm **Posts:** 12

hi everyone.

my 4 chicks are three weeks old, im wondering when the best time to remove them permanently from their brooder and into their house?
they have been getting interested in getting out, i have been taking them out almost everyday for a run in their enclosure.
thanks. simon

Chickababe · **Posted:** Tue Oct 15, 2013 9:27 pm

Hi Simo,

They need stay in the brooder until they are fully feathered. Usually somewhere around the 6 week mark they are fully feathered. It's ok to let them out for a short time if it's sunny. Make sure they are out of the wind and rain.

My chicks are 6 weeks old now and on cool days they still sit under mum. At night they sit under her and on her back too. It's getting a little squishy now with 7 chicks trying to snuggle up for some warmth.

Chicka-Dee · **Joined:** Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:12 am **Posts:** 1194

Hi Simo,

I agree with Chickababe, they need to be fully feathered as they are still quite fragile & can easily catch a chill & drop dead in a heartbeat at this age. Also it might depend on where you are and what the weather is like where you are.

I kept my guys under the lamp until 12 weeks during winter as they didn't have a mum to cuddle under. Bit O.T.T but I wanted to make sure they wouldn't catch a chill on some of those cold nights. I did however have them out in the sun light during the day if it was warm enough & there wasn't any cold winds.

Cheers
Chicka-Dee