When Do Chickens Need to Go Outside? An Age-Based Guide

Introduction

One of the most common questions asked by chicken owners is when their birds can start going outside. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, there are certain age-related factors that should be taken into account when deciding when to let your chickens out.

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide for determining when your chickens should be allowed outside, based on their age, size, and other environmental needs. We’ll also look at the benefits and dangers associated with allowing chickens to roam freely outdoors and get advice from a professional chicken farmer.

Interview a Chicken Farmer

To get some expert advice, I interviewed Bethany, a professional chicken farmer from Florida. She has been raising chickens for over 20 years and knows the ins and outs of when it’s best to let them out.

I asked her what age she recommends for allowing chickens to go outside. She said that it depends on several factors, including the breed of chicken, the weather, and the environment they will be living in. Generally speaking, however, she suggests letting chickens outside when they are between 8 and 10 weeks old.

Bethany also stressed the importance of preparing your chickens for life outdoors. This means making sure they have adequate shelter, food, and water, as well as access to a safe area where they won’t be exposed to predators or hazardous materials. Additionally, she recommended gradually introducing the chickens to their new environment so they become accustomed to it before going out completely unsupervised.

Benefits of Raising Chickens Indoors versus Outdoors

Another question I asked Bethany was whether there were any benefits to keeping chickens indoors versus outdoors. She explained that while both options have their pros and cons, raising chickens indoors does offer a few advantages.

For example, if you live in an area with cold winters, keeping chickens inside is a great way to ensure they stay warm. Additionally, indoor chickens are less likely to come into contact with predators or spread diseases to other birds. Finally, they require less maintenance than outdoor chickens, as they don’t need to be monitored as closely and their coop can be cleaned more easily.

On the other hand, allowing chickens to roam freely outside offers some unique benefits. For instance, they can forage for bugs, grasses, and other natural foods, helping them stay healthy and active. Additionally, having more space to roam allows them to engage in natural behaviors like dust bathing and roosting. Finally, outdoor chickens tend to be happier and more content compared to their indoor counterparts.

Age-Related Needs of Chickens

Now that we know when to let chickens out, let’s take a closer look at the age-related needs of chickens. Each stage of a chicken’s development has its own physical, psychological, and environmental needs.

For instance, chicks under 4 weeks old need to remain in a brooder to keep them warm and protected. At 4–8 weeks, they should be moved to a larger enclosure, such as a chicken tractor, and offered plenty of room to explore and forage. Once they reach 8–10 weeks, they can begin to be slowly introduced to the outdoors, but should still be supervised to make sure they are safe.

At 10–20 weeks, chickens can spend more time outside, but should still be kept in a secure area. When they reach 20–30 weeks, they can start spending most of their time outdoors, but should still be brought inside at night. And finally, once they reach 30 weeks and older, they can be left to roam freely outdoors during the day.

Dangers of Allowing Chickens Outside Too Early

It’s important to remember that allowing chickens to go outside too early can be risky. Chicks that are younger than 8 weeks may not have the strength to defend themselves against predators, and could easily become prey. Additionally, young chickens may not yet be able to regulate their body temperature, which could lead to hypothermia or heat stroke.

Young chickens may also be vulnerable to disease and parasites, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. And finally, allowing chickens to roam free too early can cause them to become lost or injured, especially if they are not familiar with their surroundings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding when to allow your chickens to go outside, there are a number of factors to consider, including the breed of chicken, the weather, and the environment they will be living in. Generally speaking, chickens should be allowed outside when they are between 8 and 10 weeks old, provided they have adequate shelter, food, and water.

It’s also important to remember that allowing chickens to go outside too early can be dangerous, as they may not have the strength to defend themselves against predators, or the ability to regulate their body temperature. By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can ensure that your chickens have a safe and happy life outdoors.

For more information on raising chickens, check out our guide to raising chickens.