Chicks in elevated box

[ssbs]

My friends had a chicken that was broody for quite sine time.. A number of months yet she never successfully hatched any chicks. She finally came off the nest and another hen went broody. Now chicks are hatching. I'm concerned though, because they are in a 3-4 foot high nest box without a ramp or anything. How old will they be when they go exploring? Will they be ok? I'm also worried because my friends don't have a coop. Their chickens and guineas sleep in trees.. But they do have foxes

 

[Chickens R Us]

It won't take long for them to go exploring, they grow so fast. You are right to be concerned with foxes around they won't last very long.

 

[RonC]

They will start trying to fly at about a week old but 3-4 feet may be a bit too high. Maybe a ramp or some steps for them but that isn't tall enough to stop a fox either. A secure brooder might serve the purpose better.