Baby chicks outside eating bugs. Is this OK?

[fdehaven]

Well yesterday we took are new babies (11 days old) out for a few hours since it was in the 80's. Here's my questions/concerns..
Is it ok to have them out in the yard at such a young age?
Is it ok for them to eat bugs and what ever else they found in the grass?

I must say it was really fun watching them chase each other around trying to get what ever the other chick had. But I want them to be safe. I can not belive how attached I got to these little girls. I must admit that we bought them for eggs and meat but we may have to settle for just eggs now.

Thanks
Frank

 

[herefordlovinglady]

Frank as far as I know that is just fine. I know there is talk about getting enough grit when they start eating "solid" foods/treats. I also know that people buy crickets and meal worms for their babies.

i agree these chickens are addictive and so so so much fun.

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

I took my 2 day olds out yesterday too!! that was like trying to herd cats!! It was toooooo funny

If a mama bird hatched them, they would surely be scratching around, eating whatever she taught them to eat. I think it is PERFECTLY normal. I'm guessing you have them on medicated chick starter, correct? So cocci from the ground shouldn't be an issue.

Only thing I've heard is that if chicks eat food other than starter, that they may need some "grit" to help them digest the "other items".

Enjoy....

 

[DaughterOfEve]

I would not worry about a supervised frollick in the yard on a warm day. It is what momma hen woud be doing naturally.

 

[fdehaven]

Yard full o' rocks :

I took my 2 day olds out yesterday too!! that was like trying to herd cats!! It was toooooo funny

If a mama bird hatched them, they would surely be scratching around, eating whatever she taught them to eat. I think it is PERFECTLY normal. I'm guessing you have them on medicated chick starter, correct? So cocci from the ground shouldn't be an issue.

Only thing I've heard is that if chicks eat food other than starter, that they may need some "grit" to help them digest the "other items".

Enjoy....

I do have them on medicated food. Would it hurt if I gave them some grit now even in the brooder?​

 

[teach1rusl]

Please do give them some fine grit. Sprinkle it on their feed like salting your food.

 

[Alabama ee]

You can get chick grit..it is a smaller size. Then just lightly top their food.

 

[saamladusi]

Is play sand an acceptable form of grit at a young age?

 

[chippysmom327]

Is play sand an acceptable form of grit at a young age?

Play Sand is a natural grit, and they'll eat it when they need it. So yes.