Allow chicks into run area

[BakkDad]

HI,
I have 8 chicks that are a week old today. Currently they are confined to a sectioned off portion of the coop with a heat lamp. There are no other chickens, just the 8 all the same age. My question...when (at what age) can I allow them to roam freely inside the Pen/Run area? I've attached a photo of my coop/pen. Thank you..

 

[MountainWoman73]

Whenever. Right now's fine. Just check for gaps they could squeeze through that adults couldn't. My chicks squeeze under my gate until they're about 5 weeks.

 

[BakkDad]

Whenever. Right now's fine. Just check for gaps they could squeeze through that adults couldn't. My chicks squeeze under my gate until they're about 5 weeks.

Thanks! I just went to check on them and one had died! They all seemed fine earlier this morning. Is this to be expected and/or should I be concerned about the other 7? I hate not knowing what caused it's demise..

 

[MountainWoman73]

Sometimes it just happens. Make sure they're the right temperature, butts are clear of poop, clean water and food. Maybe some amprolium if any others look sick. But it's pretty normal to have one die the first week, and the cause isn't always apparent.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd keep them in the coop through the 2nd week. They'll start getting more rambunctious at that point and that's when the extra space can come in handy.

Also ramps can be tricky to navigate, so you don't want any getting "stuck" downstairs and unable to get back up, so that's something to keep an eye on once they're out. You may need to prop up the end of that ramp on a cinder block as it appears a bit on the steep side which would make it more difficult to use.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

I.love 2 baby chicks last week. Treated all my other chicks for coccidiosis. They are all looking happy and healthy. Losing a baby is horrible and I'm sorry you had to lose one. Also I let my babys out to play in the grass on nice warm days. I make sure they have sun and shade and a way to get back under the lamp if they get cold.