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Chickens going outside 7-8 weeks

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Congratulations on your new feathered friends! At almost 8 weeks old, your chickens are likely well on their way to being fully feathered, which means they can handle those chilly Michigan nights—especially if temperatures dip to around 35 degrees. While a heating lamp may seem like a cozy option, it’s great that you’re thinking about acclimating them to the outdoors without relying on heat. If they’ve been enjoying some outside time in their run, they’re already getting used to the fresh air! Just keep an eye on them during those colder evenings—if they seem uncomfortable, you can always bring them inside for a night or two. Remember, it’s all about finding that cluck-tastic balance for your flock!
Chickens going outside 7-8 weeks
Chickens going outside 7-8 weeks

Hello, these are our first chickens and I don’t want to make mistakes. We’ve bought them on March 22nd, I believe they are almost 8 weeks old now, on May 9th. I’ve heard they can stand 35 degrees if they’re fully feathered. I’m no chicken expert. My wife thinks a heating lamp in the coop the first few cold nights is best. So that’s the plan. I’m new to chickens and if I can get by without heat, I think that would be best for them.
We’ve let them outside about a dozen times before in this run. Not overnight, but for a few hours.
We’re in Michigan, zone 6a. Next few nights will be 37, 35, 35, then forties.
I don’t love the idea of running an extension cord to the coop, or a heat lamp in a wood box with pine shavings, but that’s the plan. At least for the first couple nights.
My question is should I bring them inside? Should I do the heat lamp? Or are they fully feathered enough to not need that? I want them acclimated, I don’t intend on using heat next winter if I can help it.
Any advice is appreciated. I’ve looked into chickens a lot online, but I’m no expert. Thank you!

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#chickens#fear of chickens#chicken breeds#chicken behavior#chicken myths#chicken anatomy#chicken eggs#feathered#heating lamp#coop#cold nights#Michigan#acclimated#extension cord#pine shavings#zone 6a#outside#age#first chickens#warming method