First time raising chicks

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Chestnut babies

In the Brooder
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I adopted three 2-week old chicks last week. I live in a rural area of Encinitas CA. Once the chicks are big enough I plan on letting them out during the day, and put them back in their coup at night. How old should they be before they are safe to roam the backyard during the day? Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to get them used to being handled?
 
Chestnut babies said:
I adopted three 2-week old chicks last week. I live in a rural area of Encinitas CA. Once the chicks are big enough I plan on letting them out during the day, and put them back in their coup at night. How old should they be before they are safe to roam the backyard during the day? Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to get them used to being handled?
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2 weeks old? dangerous age to be out in the open. I would wait a little longer. I range at 3 mo.
but that's my way.. others will differ on opinion..
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I don't let mine out until they're almost completely grown. This is because I have hawks, owls, and kites during the day, mornings, and evenings. It's like a bird of prey paradise here. I also have dogs to patrol and keep the foxes, coyotes, cats, bobcats, and other dogs at bay during the day.

In my opinion, the best way to get them used to being handled is to spoil them and offer them plenty of healthy goodies and a few treats from your hand in addition to their regular food.

My daughter and I walk around our yard and catch crickets and grasshoppers to feed ours and they follow us all over and forage while they wait for the bugs.
 
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Welcome to BYC. With the chicks being just two weeks old the more you are hands on the better they will be around humans. Pick them up often, pet them, hand feed them out of the palm of your hand. The more they get used to you the better they will be around you. As they get older they don't always like being picked up as much. Also don't just reach down over their heads to get them. They think they will get hurt. Try like your scooping up something by bringing your hand down below them. Best of luck with your chicks.
 

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