Can I Bring My Chicks Outside for A While Yet?

Your chicks will be fine and happier if you let them out for a while!!! I used to be overprotective years ago and my chicks were miserable.
Let them out and take some pics!

 

Quote:If they have access to very small pebbles or sand while they are out that will suit them as grit. It's a natural born thing for them to hunt for stones/pebbles/sand to use as grit. Same goes when the hens get older and need oyster shell. I leave a pile of oyster shell out for my hens where it's easy for them to find. They go to the pile to replenish their individual need at will. My rooster has never once touched the oyster shell pile.

 

They will pick at the dirt/sand between the grass. You could throw some extra dirt or sand in there too.
If you let them out they'll get cocci exposure. I never lost a chick to cocci because I let them out early and they gradually built up an immunity.

 

I bring my out all the time. Its always warm here, so thats not a problem. They go crazy, running around, catching bugs, eating little seeds on weeds, etc. I just love watching them!! Enjoy!

 

If they are bored give them a box or a roost -- something to jump on, sort of playground equipment for chicks. Mine are now about 4 weeks old and about ready to go outside... as soon as I build a tractor for them to play in. Howeve,r at this age what I do for everyone's entertainment is every couple of days I bring them a cake pan of dirt that is sprinkled with worms (they get grit). Every afternoon I chop up different fruits and vegetables. It's amazing how far four grapes go.

Hope you find ways to amuse your chicks -- and you!

Jenny

 

Quote:I wouldn't give them earth worms...they could get gape worm... find some crickets, grasshoppers, or my chick's favorite...grubs.

 

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The cute little farmer in overalls at the feed store td mr they don't need grit until they are on hard food like cracked corn, etc. They don't need grit for soft food.

 

Just keep in mind that they need to be at 85 degrees. a sunny day down at grass level can easily be that even if air temps are only 70 or so. shelter them from breezes though. The danger is there lungs getting chilled and developing pneumonia. A chickens lungs are near their back and prone to getting chilled. My oldest chicks are 5 weeks old and started getting their first adventures outside a couple of days ago. as long as the sun is shining and they are sheltered from wind I let them stay outside in an enclosed pen. But I also know I cannot forget them for one minute if the temps drop. we got a sudden cooling this afternoon so they had their play time cut short. These guys should be okay as low as 70 degrees but I don't want to take any chances.

 

Don't hesitate, they will love it. They will just stand around at first marveling at the big outside world, they will be fine.