Chicks First Trip Outside - Stressful

[monicastross]

Hello All, I am a newbie backyard chicken mom raising 6 amazing little chicks. They are a day or two over 2 weeks old. We live in MN. Their outside coop and run are all set up and it is a gorgeous, albeit windy, 85 degree day so I thought I would take the chicks out to get their first feel of grass.

They did NOT like it. They were obviously scared and panicked. Not wanting to stress them, I took them back in. Now I feel like a horrible mom and wonder why 'How To Introduce Your Indoor Raised Chickens To The Outside World' never came up in all my years of pre-studying for this adventure.

Can anyone tell me how I can safely, and as stress free as possible, get my chicks used to the outdoors before they are ready to live out there permanently? Thank you!

 

[HuskerHens18]

Just take them outside with you everyday. Make sure they can't hide from you though, because they might try.
Dont worry too much about it, I usually don't let mine outside until they are several months old.

 

[monicastross]

So I have had them since day one so when I took them out and set them on the grass they all crawled on my lap and tried to get as close to me as they could. Which warmed my heart but poor babies were so scared. Maybe I will start by leaving the window open a little on warm days so they can get used to the new noises and feel the breeze perhaps?

 

[HuskerHens18]

So I have had them since day one so when I took them out and set them on the grass they all crawled on my lap and tried to get as close to me as they could. Which warmed my heart but poor babies were so scared. Maybe I will start by leaving the window open a little on warm days so they can get used to the new noises and feel the breeze perhaps?

As long as it's a warm day I think it's okay. If you do just check on them a lot since drafts can sometimes chill them. They will get used to it change just makes them nervous. You sound like a great chick mommy!

 

[Fishkeeper]

Take them outside in a cardboard box, put the box on its side, put the chicks inside, and let them come out as they wish. That should give them a way to go into the strangeness gradually.

 

[Cayuga momma]

I bought this and removed the bottom so it sits on the grass. I took their water, food, and grit out and put it in there. Mine felt alot more comfortable in there. Especially after I put a little stool in for them to run under when they got scared. On day two I opened up the mesh door and they came out a little. Each day they spend more time out of it.

 

[Izzychicky]

Maybe try taking a bit of grass and putting it in their brooder

 

[monicastross]

I bought this and removed the bottom so it sits on the grass. I took their water, food, and grit out and put it in there. Mine felt alot more comfortable in there. Especially after I put a little stool in for them to run under when they got scared. On day two I opened up the mesh door and they came out a little. Each day they spend more time out of it.View attachment 1394360

Brilliant idea!

 

[monicastross]

Maybe try taking a bit of grass and putting it in their brooder

Great idea, I was actually a little worried that they'd eat something they couldnt digest but someone told me they dont normally eat anything they're not ready for. I do have chick grit for them just in case though!

 

[monicastross]

As long as it's a warm day I think it's okay. If you do just check on them a lot since drafts can sometimes chill them. They will get used to it change just makes them nervous. You sound like a great chick mommy!

Oh thank you for that comment! I just adore them already!