Chicks first time outside, mass hysterica....

[Sassafras]

It takes them a while to get used to the new surroundings. Of course they feed off of each others fear. Mine stayed in a corner of the coop for quite a while on the first day. That was a week ago and today was the first day they would actually go out on their own. I had to carry them out for a while.

 

[zengrrl]

Quote:
Ahhhh well your like me then, just waiting for the warm weather to begin. Dh built me a temp coop that they'll be going into today. Its in the garage but with the heat lamp I think they'll be ok. I'm more than ready for this coop to be done and the peeps out of the house.

I figure it'll take some getting used to for them. I was hoping there was something I could do to help them. Tossing a patch of sod in with them might help, now that the grass is actually turning green.

 

[egg_tastic]

My chicks are 2 weeks old, and have been going outside since 6 days old. I have found they feel better when in their entire group (10 pullets). Way more confidence then when out in smaller numbers. I was afraid at first of them wandering off when all 10 were outside, but no worries! I transport them in a cardboard box carrier from their brooder inside to outside. They like to use the box as a comfort to them. They will wander away from the box, but not too far. If I move the box away they will gather under my chair. I guarantee they will be fine (maybe without basket). Once they realize there is food everywhere, it is on!

 

[LizaBlue]

I live in the south, so I've been taking my 16 out since they were just a few days old. I always put their food and water with them and I think that helps - reminds them of "home". They don't freak out to bad, not even with my 2 100lb+ dogs watching their every move, making sure they don't set foot outside the portable fence I keep them in. Even by themselves, though, they took to grass just fine once they got interested in it.

 

[hbwbk]

It's still very cool here in up state N.Y. so my girls will be in till June with some days out for sun shine.
The coop is almost finished but we are adding on to our nursery so the have plenty of space. I am one for putting them outside for the day.
They are only 3 weeks old. They are getting big fast and the love crickets and mealy worms and on the forum some said scrambled eggs, pasta and
cooked oatmeal to can't wait to see how they like that.