Two days ago I picked up 8 chicks. Three are a month old and the others are a week old. All had been in the brooder together so the three older ones had never experienced the "great outdoors". I enjoyed introducing it to them last night, putting them in a small run outside. I had carried them out in a cat carrier and at first they huddled in the back but within minutes were pecking at the grass they could reach from the open door of the carrier. The first time one of them stepped outside, she couldn't get back in fast enough - I guess the grass felt "weird" underfoot. But it didn't take long before all three were out in the grass, scritching and scratching and happily purring. As it got cold last night, I brought them in for bed but hopefully they can spend a lot more time outside in the next few days.
Meanwhile, I've been having a problem with something eating my basil so last night I covered the basil bushes with plastic grocery bags. This morning I went to take the bags off and found the culprits - dozens of beetles (don't know what kind). I gathered up as many as I could find, put them on a saucer and put them in with all 8 chicks. The week olds could have cared less but the older ones showed immediate interest and it wasn't long before a beetle was snatched up. But it MOVED in her mouth and she went into panic mode, running in circles and squawking. She had the kids rolling on the floor laughing at her. The second chick reacted the same way but it didn't seem to put them off permanently and they enjoyed the feast, grabbing them one at a time and running to find a private area to "keep it to themselves". Some were dropped and that involved a hunt through the pine shavings to find it again. They had so much fun and we enjoyed introducing them to the joys of their "natural foods". Now, if only I could teach them to hunt the beetles in the garden without eating the basil themselves.....
Meanwhile, I've been having a problem with something eating my basil so last night I covered the basil bushes with plastic grocery bags. This morning I went to take the bags off and found the culprits - dozens of beetles (don't know what kind). I gathered up as many as I could find, put them on a saucer and put them in with all 8 chicks. The week olds could have cared less but the older ones showed immediate interest and it wasn't long before a beetle was snatched up. But it MOVED in her mouth and she went into panic mode, running in circles and squawking. She had the kids rolling on the floor laughing at her. The second chick reacted the same way but it didn't seem to put them off permanently and they enjoyed the feast, grabbing them one at a time and running to find a private area to "keep it to themselves". Some were dropped and that involved a hunt through the pine shavings to find it again. They had so much fun and we enjoyed introducing them to the joys of their "natural foods". Now, if only I could teach them to hunt the beetles in the garden without eating the basil themselves.....
