Chicks outsid and eating scratch?

[shardean]

I have 15 4 week old chicks...is it to soon to let them stay outside in the coop and run? Its all wire, nothing can get in..but just a dog house for them to get away from any foul weather. I can set up a heat lamp...but they haven't been under one in the garage. They have been out there in the day, and seem to love it...Hate to bring them in! Also have an 8 week old out there with them. And at what age do they start eating scratch instead of the baby grit? Thanks!

 

[folgerrd]

as for scratch and grit, dunno. But they aren't supposed to be outside until 6-8 weeks or nearly completed feathering. However if it is really warm out, even at night I would let them stay out. Just don't let them eat the layer feed and make sure they aren't being bullied by the eldest.

 

[n8ivetxn]

They should always have grit, or oyster shell if they're laying....scratch is a treat, something extra special, like candy for chickens! Feed them some flock grower until they're 6-8 months and go to layer feed.

You live north of me a couple hrs drive and your weather is better than mine... If the 15 of them can huddle together, they'll probably be warm enough. Do you have bedding in the dog house? Pine shavings or dry leaves or something?

You may want to start a coop sometime soon, unless you plan to let them roost in trees They will quickly outgrow that doghouse....

 

[folgerrd]

You may want to start a coop sometime soon, unless you plan to let them roost in trees They will quickly outgrow that doghouse....

X2

 

[shardean]

There are places for them to roost inside the run...but we are building a coop inside! This is just a transition place..when they are 5-6 months they will go out with the rest of the chickens...where there is a nice big coop!

 

[folgerrd]

Oh okay, that makes way more sense!

 

[n8ivetxn]

I was worried for a minute! - I had a picture of 15 birds crammed into a doghouse!

 

[folgerrd]

Ditto!

I was worried for a minute! - I had a picture of 15 birds crammed into a doghouse!

 

[shardean]

I was worried for a minute! - I had a picture of 15 birds crammed into a doghouse!

They go into the dog house...but they are in a huge run with field fencing(small squares) all around it...very safe! They can't get out and predator's can't get in!