Chicks are scared outside

[Ccort]

My two and a half week chicks seem scared and stressed during outdoor time. Its 80 degrees today's dn tomorrow so I put them in a small area outside. This is their fourth time out but they tend to just huddle in a corner. How do you get them used to it without causing stress?

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change, and it takes them time to adjust to any/all changes in their environment - give them time.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

My two and a half week chicks seem scared and stressed during outdoor time. Its 80 degrees today's dn tomorrow so I put them in a small area outside. This is their fourth time out but they tend to just huddle in a corner. How do you get them used to it without causing stress?

Sorry I am distracted is your cat and dog cuddling each other?

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

Also yes it's normal it's a new environment

 

[3KillerBs]

Are they in a big, open space without cover?

Can you provide them with hiding places? A box on it's side, a few concrete blocks with the holes turned sideways, things to get under, behind, and on top of?

 

[allameraucana]

My two and a half week chicks seem scared and stressed during outdoor time. Its 80 degrees today's dn tomorrow so I put them in a small area outside. This is their fourth time out but they tend to just huddle in a corner. How do you get them used to it without causing stress?

Honestly chickens are terrified of everything and take a while to get used to stuff lol. No wonder we tell people who are scared to stop being such a chicken! When I first brought mine outside, I had a carboard box that had no top or bottom and I covered half of it with a towel. It seemed to be ok for mine. When I put them out in the run for the first time they were out there full time and just had to cope haha. I would suggest maybe giving them somewhere to hide? like maybe even if you have a box, just flip it over and cut out an opening for them to go into. Or something for them to hide under. Then with a bit of time, they will start coming out. You could also bait them with treats

 

[Arelwood]

They need something to hide in. Then they will get comfortable and venture out. My chicks were terrified the first time outside. I think mostly unnerved by the wind. Well, its windy in Nebraska kids. Ya gonna have to get used to it.

 

[Ccort]

Sorry I am distracted is your cat and dog cuddling each other?

Lol Yes, they are cuddling eachother. My dog has her head on my cats belly.

 

[Ccort]

Are they in a big, open space without cover?

Can you provide them with hiding places? A box on it's side, a few concrete blocks with the holes turned sideways, things to get under, behind, and on top of?

I'm starting them in a small, partially covered space. They seemed more comfortable today since they were out longer. If its 80 or 85 degrees out, can I keep them outside for most of the day at this age? They live in an indoor brooder.

 

[Ccort]

Honestly chickens are terrified of everything and take a while to get used to stuff lol. No wonder we tell people who are scared to stop being such a chicken! When I first brought mine outside, I had a carboard box that had no top or bottom and I covered half of it with a towel. It seemed to be ok for mine. When I put them out in the run for the first time they were out there full time and just had to cope haha. I would suggest maybe giving them somewhere to hide? like maybe even if you have a box, just flip it over and cut out an opening for them to go into. Or something for them to hide under. Then with a bit of time, they will start coming out. You could also bait them with treats

I'll do this tomorrow. The only treat I've given so far are turnip greens and they weren't impressed!