Can My Chicks Get Out of My Bathroom Yet?
Can My Chicks Get Out of My Bathroom Yet?
(aka: The guide I wish someone handed me when I had dust-covered gremlins flapping around my laundry pile)
So you got chicks. They were adorable. You gave them names. You took a thousand photos.
And now?
They smell like a barn, they’ve turned your bathroom into a sandbox, and every time you walk by the brooder someone gets spooked and launches straight into your ceiling fan.
It’s time.
But is it time?
Here’s how to know when your fluff nuggets are ready to go from housemates to coop tenants—and how to make the move without totally traumatizing everyone involved (yourself included).
✅ How to Know They’re Ready
- They’re mostly feathered, especially their chest and wings. That fluffy baby down doesn’t count.
- Nighttime temps are holding steady above 50°F (or you’re ready to rig a safe heat source in the coop).
- They’re eating and drinking just fine on their own.
- They’ve got some social skills and don’t panic at every breeze or twig snap.
Still not sure? Trust your gut and your nose. If the smell is unbearable and they’re doing parkour off your shower curtain rod, it’s probably time.
🛠️ Coop Prep: Because Escape Artists Are Real
- Add fresh bedding (pine shavings work great)
- Check for gaps, holes, or tiny “chick escape hatches”
- Food and water should be easy for them to reach (no chicken obstacle courses yet)
- Block drafts they’re still babies at heart
Bonus tip: Don’t let your cat "meet" them yet. Just trust me.
🌡️ What Temp Is Safe?
| Age | Ideal Temp | Can They Go Out? |
|---|---|---|
| 4 weeks | ~75°F | Maybe, during warm days |
| 5–6 weeks | ~70°F | Good for all-day hangs |
| 6+ weeks | ~60–65°F | If they’re fully feathered, you’re good to go |
If you still need to add a heat lamp or brooder plate, make sure it’s secure and not a fire hazard. Safety first. Burnt coop = bad.
🧹 Transition Like a Pro
- Start with a few daytime field trips to the coop.
- Move them at dusk so they’re more chill and less flighty.
- If you already have older hens, keep them separated at first. Chickens are jerks to new kids.
Don’t forget to check on them at night for the first week like the overprotective chicken parent you now are. We all do it.
🐔 Final Thoughts
This is one of those moments where it feels like a big step because it is! But chickens are tougher than we give them credit for. You’ve got this.
Now go enjoy your dust-free house and reclaim your bathroom. (Until next chick season.)