Hmmm...I have been taking mine out since they were 3-4 weeks old, putting them in a play yard covered with a blanket, in an area of the grass that has ants. I did it on purpose. I thought they'd love it. Chickens eat all kinds of bugs. I am a noob, but unless the chicks are getting swarmed, I would think it wouldn't be an issue. I have gotten bit more than my chicks have.