can i let my baby chicks roam outside a little?

[Don Alejo]

I was concerned about this also with our eight 3 -1/2 week old mixed breeds so I took two out at a time for a romp in the grass. I sat down with them. At first none of them would leave me and preferred to crawl all over me (and poop on me). Then slowly they branched out a little but when I slowly moved away and called them they came running. The question is how they will behave on the fourth or fifth time when they are older and used to more freedom? So far I have a little treat ready for reinforcement when they come to me..

 

[gertpacu]

Shadowrooster, you were absolutely right...I put a few out at a time the first time out and they didn't go anywhere. now my 7 year old takes them out, lets them play and scratch, then one by one carrys them back to the brooder... they didn't run away!!! in fact when they get scared they run TO me, not away

That's awesome! Mine do the same now too. Their anxiety goes WAY down when I am in the coop with them, or if I am sitting outside the coop letting them graze a bit. When bringing out one of the 1 year old hens with the babies they tend to follow her around and eat what she's eating. It's really easy to get them back into the coop as well.