Chicks trying to escape brooder

[frankenchick]

I have two orphan chicks that I'm raising indoors. They are 4 wks old, and I've been taking them outside on warm, sunny days for the last 3 wks. They seem to be doing well, but have developed this weird aversion to their box (a La-Z-Boy carton). I let them run around the basement as much as possible, but there always comes a time when they have to go back in the box. Tonight, the CMxEE chick nearly hung herself trying to get out between the box and the wire top. Needless to say, I've got the top weighted down now, and am going to fashion one that fastens tomorrow. But why this sudden, profound dislike for the box? My BLRW doesn't seem to mind, although he's always happy to get out of the box too.

This is esp. worrisome because I'm going to have to leave them for 2 1/2 days over Labor Day weekend.

 

[faykokoWV]

Any reason you can't go ahead and put them in with your other chickens?

 

[Chicky Tocks]

They know what's out there now. And cardboard just ain't gonna cut it anymore!

They're like teenagers. Mine used to sneak out his bedroom window too. I hope you have a run ready for them.