Going outside

[naadarien]

So I have some 2-3 week old chicks and I was thinking of taking them outside (if it is warm enough) this weekend and let them play on the grass. I have some extra large metal dog cages that should work fine to keep them confined.

Will they pick up grit from the ground? Do they know to do it themselves? Or would I need to sprinkle some grit down for them (JIC)?

Thanks!

 

[LovedMyAlydar]

They should be okay as long as it is warm enough. Depending on the breeds and the size of the dog crates siding you might need to watch them getting through. Ours when they were littler could get through our wire fencing so we had to run chicken wire along side it to keep them from escaping. They are bigger now so not a problem any longer.

They will figure out what to do and start scratching and acting like silly chickens at the chance to run around. Ours would jump up and down, flap their wings, roll around trying to dust themselves and then finally just lay on their sides sunning themselves and enjoying the outdoors.

 

[naadarien]

Cool! I was hoping that would work.

Yeah, we do have chicken wire...lots of it (from the previous owner). I'll wrap the kennels if the holes are too big.

 

[StoverCreek]

I'd just take mine out and let them run loose while I sat out there with them with a book. Mine pretty much stayed together and didn't want to wonder too far. It is in the 70s temperature-wise and they were very happy. I use a big plastic fan-shaped leaf rake to herd them if needed. It looks like a big wing, when they were tired, I'd herd them to the basement door, reach down and pick them up, place them back in their brooder where they were ready to take a nap.

 

[naadarien]

If I only had a half dozen or so chicks, I'd consider it, but I have 25. I would tend to think I could easily be overwhelmed especially if enough of them went off in various directions.

My other concern is other animals. I have cats and dogs who need to be introduced and we have a lot of raptors in the area. I would hate to see a hawk make off with one of my chickies.

When they are older and I am less mother-henish, I'm sure I'll let them roam.