First time chicken rearing questions

[5livechicks]

I have read many posts, thank you for them, but still have a few questions as this is my first time raising chicks. We got 5 chicks, 3 different hearty breeds for laying when they were two days old. They are now over 3 weeks and seem awfully big for the large brooding box we have them in. I started putting them outside when it got warm and sunny (from about 75 - 90 during the day) in a safe large pen that sits on the grass. They seem to love it and stretch their wings out and actually fly. I bring them in at night back to their large box that now seems so small! So my questions are:
1. Do they need to have an area for their "dust bath" and if not now when?
2. When do I need to clip their wings? They can fly out of the box now but i keep a screen over the top.
3. How big of a booder should 5 chicks be in? I originally brought them outside because their cage got so dirty so quickly and thought they needed more room.
4. I've introduced kiwi, watermelon, snails, etc. but they don't seem interested in anything but the food. They are very interested in the flying insects.
5. Should I be concerned about mites this early? Do you use diatomacious earth now?
6. I have a great, calm, friendly golden retriever that seems to love eating the chick droppings...will that make her sick? (When the chicks have been outside in the pen and I move the pen to a new location)

Any suggestions would be most helpful. I am so excited to be caring for chicks eventually my families own healthy food source (eggs). THANK YOU!!!

 

[annek]

I can answer a few but not all!

Quote:

 

[Gonzo]

I wouldn't give them worms though... I was doing that, and found out (on this site) that they are the main cause of intestinal parasites. try giving them a mashed up hard boiled egg. or strawberries. Ours love it!

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

Sounds like you are doing everything fine. If your concerned they don't have enough room get a large box. Try to get one that is taller so they can't fly out. I don't clip their wings either so I don't know about that At three weeks old they really do not need treats. Everything they need is in their chick starter. When you introduce treats you should give grit. You can get parakeet grit and use that. I mix some of it in with their feed and its OK Giving hardboiled egg is a treat they can handle. The one thing mine go nuts for is plain old bread. Young and old. Yesterday I had some over ripe tomatoes that I cut up for them The older chickens grabbed them and ran the younger ones ( 5 weeks) never touched them. This morning I gave them to the old girls.I have had chickens for over 5 years and have never seen any mites on my birds. I have had trouble with leg mites with the old retired flock but they freerange and I think that makes the difference. Your dog can get worms from the chicken poop so I wouldn't let him eat it. Hope this answers some of your questions, and Welcome to the maddness that is chickens. Micki

 

[5livechicks]

Thanks for all your advice. I think the biggest hurdle will be the dog and the droppings as i move the outdoor enclosed pen all over the yard every few days.