Bringing chicks outside for a little bit... Questions..

[hemolymph]

I thought I'd let them scratch outside for a little bit, but my question is.. Do you have to have some sort of Pen for them? Or can I just let them go in my yard and watch them? I am wondering how hard they'll be to catch? I've never been around baby chicks before.. Mine will be 1 1/2 weeks soon I think.

 

[gavinandallison]

Quote:
I suggest if you can get a drop cage or similar, maybe large side boxes taped together so that can get some air but also be corralled together. Free run, you will lose them or a predator will get them instead.

 

[a123andpoof]

We have 20 chicks and the first time I just put them down and sat down near them. They won't go very far and they will all stick together. It may be a challange to get them back in the box or to the brooder depending what you brought them out in. But they will be fine without a pen. It might be nice to have something in a few weeks though.

 

[QualityPolish]

Well, a pen would be the ideal option here and since they're young it'd be a good idea to always give them your full attention. You wouldn't want one sneaking off. Plus you never know if theres a hungry hawk out there looking for an easy meal. So yes, you could let them in your yard as long as you always have your eyes on the, which can be a hassle if you're wanting to do yard work etc. As for the diffuctly, depends on the chick. I had one which didn't want to move, just relax in the sun. While another was full of spunk and didn't want to be put away.
QP

 

[flying_babyb]

We bought a cheap rabbit cage from TSC. It was under $20. We're using it for a brooder (with tiles on the bottom so they dont hurt there little feet) but the best part is when we take the bedding out we can take the whole thing outside and the chicks can stay in it and still get to the grass. I like the fact there totally protected but still allowed to have a snack. Were planning on putting up a fence around our garden and then putting snow fence over it so they will have a perminate (sp) play place (and a heatly snack).

 

[BrandyMom2AFew]

I only have 7 and I just let range around the yard under supervision. They have been out a lot the last few days..

 

[ossiander]

I did that yesterday with the 5 I have. They are around 2 weeks old. 4 stayed together and one ran off rather fast. I had to get help the catch the one.

 

[WallTenters]

Trust me. Put them in a pen. Ours stay happily clumped together in a pen, and come to me when I call, and love me and chirp happily in my ear. Sure as Sam as soon as you try putting them back in the transport cage, you have turned into Devil Lady and might as well be throwing them into a hot oil pan!!!

They are so freaking cute running around though! Cheep cheep!