Chicks terrified outside

[SarahBee]

I just put my six 4 week old chicks outside in a big dog cage with the tray removed (so they can scratch at the dirt underneath and eat bugs or whatever but be safe from hawks). It's a beautiful day 80+ degrees so I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce them to the outdoors. They have been huddled together in the corner not moving and looking completely terrified for 30 minutes now....

Should I bring them back inside to their brooder? I was trying to do something nice for them and I think instead I've traumatized them!

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

Go ahead and leave them out, though I would probably cover part of the cage so they have a 'safe' area. Just tuck a large towel around an end or something like that. It's probably just overkill for their senses so they need a small refuge.

 

[SarahBee]

Thank you!!!! I put a cardboard box with a towel in it in the corner and a couple of them are hanging out in there now