Central Valley CA

[lechugababy]

Good morning! I live in central valley CA and I recently brought home 3 silkies that are one week old now. I recently finished their coop and was just wondering at what age can I start taking them outside and at what age should they move outside permanently? It's pretty warm here already LOW 38 HIGH 76, I know they can't go out anytime soon but I'd love to get a time frame to plan for thanks in advance!

 

[GodLovesU]

Whenever they are fully feathered would be a good time to move them outside. People usually start off keeping chicks at 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and reduce it by 5 degrees a week.

 

[Mill Chick]

Welcome to BYC! I also have some silkie chicks that hatched last night!

 

[charlie1051]

Hi Lechuga, I'm in central Calif too. To put them full-time into the coop- I aim for 6 to 7 weeks unless it's a really cold spring. Around 6 weeks they should have a good amount of "teen" feathers on them and be able to survive cold (we never get too cold right ?..) nights.

I normally keep them inside for 4 to 5 weeks and then if the sun is out and if it's in the low 60's- I start taking them outside during the day in a big crate or box or cage and let them play around in the grass or dirt and then I take them in before it gets dark.

Best of luck!

 

[StacyT]

I moved my latest chicks out this winter after they were 5 weeks old. The temps were a bit lower than they are now. I live in the Central Valley. I started by taking them out for a couple hrs a day starting about 3 weeks of age. I slowly increase the amount of time they’re outside and by week 5 they are acclimated enough to stay outside.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you can provide heat out there, they can go outside now. That's what I do.

I understand they are Silkies, special. They are still chickens. They should be fully feathered and able to handle your temperatures when they are 5 weeks old, another month. Your temperatures should be warmer by then anyway.

A broody hen can raise chicks even if it gets below freezing. Many people are surprised at how much time the chicks spend out from under the hen in the cold. But when they get cold they need to go under her to warm up. You can start taking them out now if you want to. Let them scratch and peck at the ground and have fun. That will help them get grit and may strengthen their immune system. But watch them and when they start acting cold bring them into the warmth. Try to protect them from a cold breeze.

Good luck!