At what age do chickies start "flying"?

[AllChookUp]

I'm picking up 11 Buff Orpington and Gold-Laced Wyandotte chicks TODAY!

They will be about 2 & 1/2 weeks old when I have to leave for a trip (for 2 weeks).

I have a nice large brooder set up, with a decent run area; 6'x10'.

I have some wonderful neighbors who will be babysitting the chickies.

My question is, at what age are the chicks able to fly? The run area is fenced about 6 feet high, but not covered with wire fencing. Do I need to worry about the chicks flying around by the time I home, when they will be about 4 & 1/2 weeks old? I wouldn't think so, but like so many here, I'm a first-timer at raising chicks.

 

[mylilchix]

I have 1 weekers that can get up about 6 inches. My 3 weekers can fly up to about 2ft. I have 2 foot walls on my brooder box, and they like to perch on the edge. I ended up putting a screen over the box to keep them in. You may want to put some bird netting over the run just to be on the safe side. I didn't expect my girls to be flying as high as they have been yet, and you don't want anything to happen while you're gone. Every time I think I'm getting to know my chicks they pull a fast one on me!

Sonja

 

[Bec]

I have 2 EE babies in the house right now that are 2 weeks old and they fly up and out of the brooder. I have 11 babies out side ages ranging from 6 weeks to 11 weeks and none of them fly up and out. The are in a 10 x 10 for right now. I don't let them out if I am not here to supervise, thy are getting pretty good. I would just make sure you over the top of the run with some netting to keep airial preditors out. 2 1/2 weeks old, they are still very tiny. I wouldn't worry too much about them flying out, but what could fly in. Good luck!!!! I hope you have a great trip!!



Oh and

I almost forgot...#1 rule.....We MUST get pics!!! ASAP!!! LOL

 

[booboo0712]

My 1 week olds are getting up about 8 inches

 

[robinaggie]

My less-than-one-week old Buff Orps are "jump flying" about two feet when I put them out to play in the grass.

 

[AllChookUp]

Thanks, Becca and Sonja - Food for thought.

We are looking forward to the trip to MT & WY. My wonderful wife needs a break.

 

[AllChookUp]

Oh, and BTW - Pics will be posted tomorrow morning!

 

[mylilchix]

Have fun out west! We used to live in MN. Took one trip to CO, and were hooked!
Sonja

 

[AllChookUp]

Thanks - My goal is to live in western Montana. I love MN, but there's nothing like the mountains. I love central CO, too.

 

[mylilchix]

All of our family is in the Twin Cities area. We live in the front range foothills outside of Denver now. LOVE the mountains. We get the convenience of having a big city, but we live on some acreage, have amazing views, and can't see any neighbors! Gotta love it! Enjoy your trip.
Sonja