Chicks dusting at 3 weeks

[sbrown]

Let my 3 week old chicks out today for the first time. I have had them in a chicken tractor type enclosure about 3 1/2 ft off the ground. Been worried cause it had rained here for like a week and everything has been soaked and its been hard to keep them completely dry as well as the coop. When I let them out it didn't take them long to find a spot and start trying to dust themselves. Funny and surprised to see them do that so early. Hope all this wet damp weather doesn't make them sick.

 

[Chickenlover211]

the damp weather shouldnt make them sick, as long as they have shelterthey should be fine.. But since they are young, i have to ask, have they grown there feathers? if not it might not hurt to keep them in on chilly days.

 

[sbrown]

There feathers are coming in but they are still only 3 weeks old so not all the way yet of course. Temp here has been ok , I think lowest we have gotten lately is probably mid 70's. Thats why I've been hesitant to let them out plus they didn't seem to have the ramp figured out yet so they could get back inside. But I've been watching them today and they are going right up it now so I think they will be fine. They seem to be glad to get out and have more room now.