[mrs chook]

So, it seems my chicks are dependent on the light! They're really upset when it gets switched off/ moved away! They're 7.5 weeks & are slowly being introduced to the outside- which they love! Any tips? Also, when would be best to start putting them into their own coop for nights?

Thanks 💕🐓🐣

[Casey76]

At 7.5 weeks they should be fully feathered, and ready to go outside now

Personally I'm not a fan of using a heat lamp, but use an electric hen instead.  This means that there is no difference in the amount of light (switching on/off). And an EH is much more energy efficient than a heat lamp (25W compared to 250W)

It also means I've had chicks outside from as young as 2 weeks (in a cage with the electric hen).  From my experience it makes them feather up more quickly.

[joyfull]

I have only ever used broodies and mine have been outside in days of being hatched and Caseys electric hen is a perfect replacement for a broody. By 7.5 weeks they should not need heat and light, just make sure where you are keeping them is not too big so that they can snuggle up to each other. you need to wean them off the heat lamp.

[mrs chook]

Weaning off the lamp going well & chicks are spending more time outside during the day😀 Still bringing them indoors at night. Hoping to put them outside permanently at the weekend. They'll be 9.5 weeks, is this too soon?

Also, do I treat them the same as my older ladies- no food / water at night from now on? They won't go in with my older ladies until they're ready for layers pellets.

Thanks 💕🐓

[Casey76]

I'm obviously too tough... mine are outside in the coop with the layers at 5 weeks.

How can you cope having pullets in the house for almost 10 weeks? *shudder*

[mrs chook]

Cleaned out daily! 😷I'm worried about the babies eating layers before they're fully grown. 🐓🐓

[Sassy]

Ideally need to be kept separately from other chooks but outside. Keep them on brooders pellets until pol.