Indoor+outdoor hybrid brooding

[Harmony Fowl]

@Harmony Fowl This is very helpful, thanks! Sounds like what I'm aiming to do. Glad to hear it works.

While you have them indoors, do you take them out of the brooder for handling and interaction/socialization? I've seen a lot of pictures on here of people cuddling baby chicks, having them perch on their shoulders or explore a little bit outside the brooder (indoors). Ours will be in the hallway, and I'm wondering if I need to put something down on the floor around the brooder for the time when they're out. Right now it's hardwood floor, so it will be easy to wipe up if they poop, but they may slide around and get splayed legs. Maybe more paper towels? Or some kind of mat?

I don't handle my chickens a ton. They're used to me, but not cuddly friendly. From my own observations of other chicken owners, the ones with the friendliest chickens have the space to have the chickens hop all over them while outside the cage, so I think that's a good idea. Maybe you could get an inexpensive table cloth that isn't slippery on both sides and put it on the floor upside down to catch the inevitable mess?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Your plan should be fine. If it's just a week inside there should be minimal mess, since they're so tiny then and less active compared to when they get bigger and start flapping around.

When they're outside, on days that you're working, I'd just check in right before and after work (or if your kids are old enough, have them look in on them before/after school).

If you want to socialize with them while they're inside, I'd suggest taking them to a bathroom or other small enclosed space, closing the door, and just sitting down with them in there so they can explore you while the mess is kept contained. They shouldn't have traction issues if they're only on that surface a couple times a day.

 

[kelldos]

We use a white towel.