Introducing chicks to free range

[mishort]

We have about 20 6 week-old chicks whom we got as day-olds. We raised them in an indoor brooder until about 4 weeks old and then they have spent the last 1.5-2wks in an outdoor enclosure. We are trying to decide the best age at which to begin letting them out just an hour or two before dusk. We also have a small established flock of about 12 adult birds in a separate enclosure who free-range all day long (we got them as adults from a friend). Any suggestions on age appropriateness?

(We will integrate the flocks in the same coop as the chicks get older and can clearly hold their own outside w the established flock, but we don't want to force them to manage too many things at one time. We want them to learn how to manage outside and watch out for predators first).

 

[rjohns39]

We have about 20 6 week-old chicks whom we got as day-olds. We raised them in an indoor brooder until about 4 weeks old and then they have spent the last 1.5-2wks in an outdoor enclosure. We are trying to decide the best age at which to begin letting them out just an hour or two before dusk. We also have a small established flock of about 12 adult birds in a separate enclosure who free-range all day long (we got them as adults from a friend). Any suggestions on age appropriateness?

(We will integrate the flocks in the same coop as the chicks get older and can clearly hold their own outside w the established flock, but we don't want to force them to manage too many things at one time. We want them to learn how to manage outside and watch out for predators first).

I generally keep mine protected until about 8 weeks. I know a LOT of people who start letting them out between 4 and 6 weeks, I just feel safer at 8. I move their shelter's regularly so they are always on fresh grass.

 

[Mrs. Light Sussex]

They're old enough as long as they will be guarded from predators (even your "friendly" cat).
I start letting mine out at 5 weeks (with my supervision).

 

[azygous]

Since you're focusing your discussion on free-ranging chicks and not integration, I'll just answer that, although you can integrate now, too, and it wouldn't hurt anything.

Six-week olds are vulnerable to predators, especially hawks and owls, and they know it deep in their instincts. They are their own best judges of when it's safe for them to range from the safety of their run.

If you open the run, you will notice the chicks will be very, very hesitant to venture out, and when they do, they will remain very close to the run and cover. They know instinctively to keep one eye up at the sky. Prey animals are not fools.

Over the span of several days, the chicks will venture farther and farther. They will also be learning the spaces outside and where to run for cover. It helps, not only chicks but adult chickens, to provide places where they can quickly scoot under cover if a hawk is spotted. Patio tables and yard furniture will serve this purpose as will low growing shrubs.

Have you taught your chicks to come when called? It would help your peace of mind knowing you can round them up quickly should the need arise.