ForFlocksSake
Songster
I have 8 babies arriving on the 11th of June and plan to brood (almost entirely) outdoors. We have a massive run that has chambers and the ability to close off sections, so the new babies will live separate (see don't touch) from the very beginning. I do plan to keep them for a few days in the garage while I watch them closely for any signs of shipping stress, but once they all show me they are perky and healthy then out they will go. To begin they will live in a smaller hutch inside the predator proof run with our old prefab coop attached for over night. Its hot here in North Florida, but I'll still provide them with the brooding plate inside the coop in case they need it at night. We are going to build a roof to go over the entire thing to keep them in shade and protect from the rain. Is there anything else I need to be aware of when putting week old chicks outdoors? Should I introduce chick grit before putting them outside? Ive read sometimes little babies will gorge themselves on grit and that concerns me a bit. Is it better to sprinkle it on the ground or offer in a small dish like I do with my Older girls? Also, the area they will be living has been planted with a chicken seed mix for the older girls. Is that ok for them to nibble on? Its forage seed meant for chicken food plots but it will be very grown in by the time the babies are outside.
