Can I Bring My Chicks Outside for A While Yet?

[gritsar]

Quote:
What is cocci exposure? Never heard of it.

Seems to be a lot of mixed opinions on this, tough call....

Protozoa that sometimes overwhelm the system of newly exposed chickens, live in the soil. When a chicken's system is overwhelmed by these particular protozoa, it is called coccidiosis, shortened, cocci. I ramble on about this extensively in the link contained in my signature.

Suebee brought up a good point. I feed medicated starter AND get them out on the ground as soon as possible to help them build an immunity to the cocci. Keeping chicks in an ultra clean brooder is not doing them any favors. A body needs to be exposed to something in order to build an immunity to it. By feeding them the medicated starter AND taking them out to be exposed, you help jump start their immune systems without as much fear that their systems will be overwhelmed.
Your chicks will be fine going out, as long as you are right there to act as mama hen. They'll be better for the experience as well.

 

[chickfamilyonsleepyhollow]

I'm sure you'll know right away if they don't like being outside ... we brought them out two weeks ago (they were two weeks old at the time) for about a 1/2 hour when it was about 70 degrees outside and they were fine - definitely aroused their curiosity!!! It was too chilly Mother's Day weekend so they stayed indoors ... they were out all day this past Saturday and Sunday (came in before sunset) and were in their glory pecking in the dirt and dusting their feathers!!! We just love our baby chicks - they've added lots of excitement to our home

Have Fun!!!! Betty

 

[sydney13]

Quote:
you should put them out when the temp is about the same as the brooder temp. i think that their would be enough grit in the lawn for them so you don't need to provide any.
i was thinking of giving my chicks some play time in my guinea pigs pen too

just wondering do you think that the chicks might spread diseases to my guinea pigs if the guinea pigs use the pen when the chicks are done?

 

[MareeZoCool]

Yes, take your sweeties outside. They sure will be fun to watch!

Be sure you pick a sunny day, and try to keep them out of the winds. The dirt under the grass will give your chicks the grit they need PLUS..... it's free!

.

 

[chickie-is-obsessed]

It was about 22 here yesterday and I took my 2.5 week old chicks outside for about an hour and they were wanting to stay in the shade. At first they were a little loopy but then they settled down and figured out how to scratch in the dirt and grass.

Have fun!

 

[Lorije1]

Sooo... did they get to go outside?

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
Personally, I think it would be fine, but I can't say for sure. My dear little Rosie (the Guinea Pig) passed recently,

so that is not an issue for me. My pen is coated wire, so I imagine you could rinse or soak it in the bathtub with some hot soapy water, but I honestly don't it's necessary. It's just a play pen, it's not like their sharing food, etc.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
Mine? No, not yet. I'm still waiting for a warm enough day. I wanted to do it over the weekend but it was too windy!

I think it will be fine. I think it will be good for them to see the outdoors, if even for a very short while. Just wanna wait for a nice warm day!

 

[lisamarie124]

I WAS WONDERING THE SAME THING...MINE R A WEEK OLD AND I WAS THINKING I WOULD BRING THEWM OUTSDE AND SEE HOW THEY DO....IS IT TOO EARLY?

 

[PunkinPeep]

The only things that can make it too early to take chicks outside are whether they can stay warm or whether you can keep them safe. Mother hens take their chicks outside almost immediately. Their advantage is that the mother hen provides both safety and warmth.

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