4 wks: Should I limit their time outside?

[TouchO'Lass]

I had to move the 15 girls out to the bigger brooder in the run yesterday. The ladies are just growing so quickly and they were on top of each other! I barely slept, worrying and missing their little chirring in the laundry room, but they're all warm, healthy and happy this morning.

I know if they were with a Mamma, they'd be out and about. The run is done: Predator proof, buried wire, covered etc. Used to be a dog run, so it's pretty big: 10 X 24 and still grassy.

Question is: Can they have TOO much time outside right now? At four weeks old, should I only let them out for short periods, or can I open their brooder door and let them graze at will? They'll still have plenty of food and water available inside or out. I just keep seeing concerns about too many treats, etc, so I's just wonderin...

Babysitting all day, so I might not be able to get back right away. But I really appreciate anyone's experiences here...

 

[Chickiegirls2]

If it is warm [about 70F] every day & it is pretty warm at night, you will be ok!
Good luck!!!

 

[teach1rusl]

I agree...I would base their "exposure" time on temperature and weather conditions (including heavy, gusting wind)...

 

[TouchO'Lass]

Thanks Folks. I'm worried I'm jumping the gun based on room, but I really miss these gals in my laundry room! They just seemed so crowded in their inside brooder!!!

We do have a LOT of wind in my "high valley". I didn't mention that, but I've blocked as much as I can, and if I can't deal with the wind outside, I won't let them out of the brooder. I just want them to have room to play and get used to their running grounds...

Anyway, they didn't get out today because I couldn't be out there to watch the run for local dogs, etc. They seem really happy with their bigger digs, and tomorrow I'll have more time to sit out there with them...

Thanks again for the input!!

 

[TouchO'Lass]

Thanks Folks. I'm worried I'm jumping the gun based on room, but I really miss these gals in my laundry room! They just seemed so crowded in their inside brooder!!!

We do have a LOT of wind in my "high valley". I didn't mention that, but I've blocked as much as I can, and if I can't deal with the wind outside, I won't let them out of the brooder. I just want them to have room to play and get used to their running grounds...

Anyway, they didn't get out today because I couldn't be out there to watch the run for local dogs, etc. They seem really happy with their bigger digs, and tomorrow I'll have more time to sit out there with them...

Thanks again for the input!!