Barred Plymouth Rock Chicks

[The Burg Peeps]

I am planning on "adopting" some BPR's and am wondering when they are able to thrive outdoors? We have a coop and run but I am not sure when they will be able to go outdoors. I have read plenty on the subject and most places say 4-6 weeks for chicks to go outdoors (when their feathers are full). I was just curious if anyone had any breed specific advice about this and any other tips about the breed specifically? There is plenty of info about raising chicks but it is rarely breed specific.

Thanks!

 

[jettgirl24]

Shouldn't be any difference according to breed. As long as they are fully feathered they can go out. If it's warm in your area this time of year they'd probably be fine before then even, just make sure they have access to a warm area under a heat lamp just as they do in a brooder. That part is especially important at night when temperatures dip.

 

[Lucretia]

In my first chick-raising adventure, we had six Rocks -- two Barred, four White. We kept them in for about 5 weeks, I think, and then let them out, and they did just fine! I think we started giving them little adventures in sunshine somewhat before that (just moving their chickie pen outside in the afternoons for half an hour or so, when the sun was nice and warm). Of course, I live in Texas, so I'm not sure how the weather is up your way. I think they should do fine at 5 weeks, regardless.

Good luck! I love my Plymouth Rocks...they are all such sweet, friendly hens! ^_^ They lay really well too -- nice big eggs! One of my White Rocks was the boldest and most adventurous of the chicks...she was the first to try to escape the brooder whenever we removed the cover to change feed/water. She liked to sit on my shoulder and hang out with me....LOL! I'm used to carrying parrots around on my shoulders, but having a chicken up there was a totally new experience.

~Lu

 

[The Burg Peeps]

Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[JodyJo]

they will do great, I just raised 5 BR roos...got them in the fall, they did wonderfully even in our sub zero Colorado winter...just make sure they have a warm retreat...or keep them in till you are sure they are feathered enough and remember, large enough they don't get picked off by overhead hawks etc...

 

[stcroixusvi]

Although I can't say about going out as mine are still inside, they are the friendliest and most curious of all my chicks. I did take one outside (with some other of her brooder-mates, at 5 weeks) but she sat on top of the carrier (inside a big carrier) and peeped so alarmingly that I didn't have the heart to wait until she got comfortable. Next week, all 22 will be in the coop and can explore to their hearts' content!

 

[Wildflower_VA]

Quote:
Five weeks old and already got you wrapped around her wing feather! Spoiled rotten!

 

[The Burg Peeps]

I really appreciate the feedback! I think we will be able to get 2 week old chicks... I so look forward to all their silliness!

 

[anchutka]

I let my barred rocks go outside at 3 weeks when temperature range was 65f at nights and 75 day time. They did just well, no signs of discomfort. Now they are a month old happy flocks. They growing so fast! Fresh air, worms, insects,grass, sun what else can be better!

This is first day outside at 3 weeks


and this just 1 week later

 

[Mommy 2 Wee Ones]

Here are my little ladies, all I have to do is sit down and pat my legs & then come a running. They are 6 weeks, have been outside for 1 1/2 weeks. We are in North Texas, so it is hot in the day & balmy at night. Everyone took a dust bath tonight, gave them some extra outside time, while I got their coop ready for the night.
They are such sweet girls, and love when I talk to them, they love to take cat naps on my lap. It is very relaxing sitting outside with a fluffy little body on you lap. This is my first time raising chicken, and my daughters & I are having a wonderful time learning as we go along.

My youngest daughter with Fiesta.

My girls love, cabbage, carrot tops and peaches.

You will have so much fun with your new babies.