[Mum2mj]

Hi, my chicks are 4 weeks old now.  I was thinking of putting them outside for a few hours each day (enclosed house/run) to get them used to it, would that be okay? Also can I turn the ecoglow off now? They do still use it at night but wondering if its because they need it or because its dark & cosy - they're in my spare room currently.  lastly, when can I put them outside permanently? Nights drop to lows of 5deg at the mo. Thanks!

[splash101]

You can put them outside for a short time but build them up slowly as they might not be fully feathered. Maybe start them off for 1/2 an hour to an hour and see how they go.

When you put them outside, if you find after a while they are huddled together, they are probably cold and need bringing back in.
The weather is meant to be warmer next week so if you start them off this week for short periods, you can leave them out longer next week when its warmer.

At night, if they are in your spare room, it should be ok to turn off the ecoglow but i dont know what temperature  you spare room drops to. My brooder has an adjustable light so i can turn it down gradually night by night.

Putting them out at night - once they have got used to being without the ecoglow being on indoors, and you have built them up a bit in the daytime they can go out at night. Are they fully feathered yet? Under their wings usually take a bit longer.

Everyone has their own way of doing things but if you do it gradually they should be ok.

[Mum2mj]

Great advice, thanks splash. The spare room does get cold but is obviously warmer than outside. I'll turn it off during the day & put it on only at night for a few nights to see how it goes. They're quite feathered but I'll give them a good look over to check

[ANHBUC]

I would do as splash says and you will be able to tell by the chicks behaviour if they are comfortable or not.