Chicks snacks and outdoor temp to go explore for a bit?

[Chick-InnKeeper]

Can I feed my 3 week old chicks “snacks” besides the chick starter they are currently eating? I thought maybe some dandelion greens or strawberries or something different? The weather here is still cool, so they’ve only been in the brooder. It is supposed to be 65 today so I also wondered if they could go outside for a little while today?

 

[Chick-InnKeeper]

Well, we took them out and they seemed to love it for a little bit, picking at the ground, laying in the sun! They really are so funny!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Short trips outside are fine and they seem happy to be out. If you haven't already started giving them grit now is an appropriate time to start.

 

[Chick-InnKeeper]

Thank you! I was just going to research when I should start grit.

 

[NewBoots]

Our 4 oldest have played in the run since they were 2 weeks and had grit at about a week. Dust bathing at about the same time. They've been in an outdoor brooder since about day 5 or 6 with a mama hen plate and the outdoor lows of 42 to 31. They're about 3 weeks now and hale and hardy. Treats of dried meal worms at 2 weeks but be sure they are getting grit before they start getting treats.

 

[Chick-InnKeeper]

I think I’ll get them some meal worms later today, I put some grit in a dish this morning. I’m sure they will enjoy the excitement of something new! Thanks!