When the little ones hatch, the mother hen is the source of instant warmth and nurturing. Chicks will huddle beneath their mom for security and to maintain their temperature.
Suppose the chicks are purchased from a farm or store - a minimum of 6 in some areas of the country. They are living in the house with all the fixings of feed, biodegradable ground layer and a temperature controlled environment. Sweet peeping sounds and soft down surrounds them. And then they grow. And quite fast.
A good gauge for putting the growing girls outside is their feathers. Body temperature is regulated by the many feathers which capture the heat against them. Different breeds however do not mature at the same rate.
Seasonal factors are an issue as well as the safety of the coop. Movement and sound are like a sonar for sky predators of eagles and hawks. They will observe from the trees - much easier in spring with impending blooms.
Older girls will have seniority and establish themselves in the pecking order. The young chicks may not be ready for the pecking of the bigger hens.
Having the coop to themselves with hay, future nesting boxes and safe places to perch, hide and explore is ideal. Happy and adapted adult chickens will bring multi-colored and nutritious eggs. They are a part of the family and ready for the world.
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