I have (had) 9 chicks that were approximatley 1.5 - 2 months old, and they were fully feathered and getting quite large. I decided to let them out to try and free range them a bit to see how they would react to being in the yard. They did great! UNFORTUNATLEY, when I decided to keep them out last night, (I made sure they had adequate food, water, they were in a large cage with small enough wire so no other critters could get in, I live in virginia so the weather has been warm enough, but they ALL died over night apparently. I am so DEVASTATED!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know what I did wrong, I thought it would be alright, they weren't doing anything that indicated that they were uncomfortable or anything. I don't know what I did wrong, EXCEPT the only thing I can think of is that it was TOO hot this morning and surprised them and they ALL died of a heat stroke or something. I am so confused and sad. I really, really LOVED my chickens, especially the 2 I had already named, because they were the most loving. Please help, I am so sad, I don't want this to ever happen again. I have 6 3 day old silkies and thats why I was making the transition, but I don't even want to think about letting them outside EVER if thats what is going to happen. Now I have NO good egg layers. That sucks too. Thanks. Helen
oh dear - how awful for you. i think most folks would bring them in at nite - not sure the cage was the best idea - was it covered?? could have been in the sun in the morning longer than you expected? or is your grass treated with some kind of chemical? or they might have gotten chilled if it was a wet nite/heavy dew? we all make mistakes - last year i put 3 babies out and went to run an errand. i thought they would be in the shade the whole time i was gone - but were not. when i got back they had all piled on top of each other and were clearly over heated. i got them cooled down but narrowly avoided disaster. i'm sorry for your loss.
No chemicals in the grass, the cages were just standard rabbit cages, but were cleaned with no heavy chemicals, they were not on top of each other, but merely looked like they were sleeping when it happened except for one who actually had its eyes open, which makes me even sadder. They only thing I can think of is that we forgot that my father in law put some snake deterrent out side a week and a half ago, maybe they ate that when they were free ranging, I don't know, I am so sad. My husband says we can always buy more and try again but its not the same. I miss my favorite one, she was so sweet and silly and stubborn all at the same time. Thanks for the reply. Helen