Free ranging time

[Threewyandottes]

Hello,
Should chicks be given time to free range?
Also should chicks be fed medicated or non medicated starter?

 

[PouleNoire]

On the topic of free range, I don't let them go off on their own without "parental supervision" lol, until they're ready to be integrated with the flock and even then you should watch the interaction and make sure nothings going wrong. What I do, do is once they start getting in their feathers on their "shoulders" and over all start to get feathery, if the weather is nice I will set up a dog pen outside and let them run around and peck at the grass, dirt etc. You can also bring parts of non chemical treated sod from outside inside their brooder so they can play around in that.

Whether to medicate feed or not is your choice. I use medicated because the medication is supposed to help against coccidiosis. But that's just what I do.

 

[Threewyandottes]

I like the dog pen idea because i conveniently happen to have one!
Thanks

 

[PouleNoire]

No problem! We've done it for a while and they absolutely love running around in the sun!