I live in Michigan, and my girls go out whenever they want. They don't like the snow, but if I shovel a path for them, they even go out in the cold. I just open the door and let them decide when and if they want to go out.
I'm having trouble with a couple of my girls. Two of my Australorps are losing tail feathers. I have sixteen chickens, 10 issa browns and six australorps. Besides the two that are losing tail feathers, seven or eight of the others are losing feathers on the butt. I haven't seen anything...
Thanks to all for the replies. I haven't been on the site for a while. We are doing the free range when I can be outside with them. They are alot of fun.