Can my 10 week old chick forage outside?

[Chickenlover1310]

I’m a bit worried, I don’t know if she can eat rocks/ grass yet.

 

[LaurenRitz]

Definitely. As long as it's warm enough I let mine free range at 2 weeks. If raised by a broody they would be eating dirt and grass as soon as they left the nest, one or two days.

 

[rosemarythyme]

By eating rocks, do you mean grit? It should've had grit weeks ago. And a 10 week old bird should definitely be outside as long as you have a safe enclosure set up so she doesn't run off.

My chicks are raised outside so they're eating dirt, bits of wood and bugs as soon as I get them.

 

[PatriciafromCO]

yes as soon as momma gets them out of the nest she is hauling the little couple day old chicks all over the place pecking at leafy weeds and grass, I didn't use the powder starter feed for the babies this year and they grew up excellent. momma's are amazing she has those babies so well trained so quickly. She can tell them to stay put and then call them to her when that she found something for them. Im always impressed....

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Weather permitting, mine are on the ground (in a predator protected space) by week three at the latest, and often during daytime hours (we are generally "blessed" w/ temps that encourage A/C use) at the end of the first week.