You’ve got your chicks home and settled in the brooder Now the big question: how long should they stay there, and when will they be old enough to move out to the coop? The short answer is a reliable rule of thumb Chicks need to stay warm in the brooder until they are fully feathered, which usually happens somewhere between 5 and 8 weeks of age Here’s how to read your chicks, hold the right temperature, and know exactly when they’re ready for the big move