Is 16 days to early for playtime outdoors?

[the_peep_squad]

My chicks really like to scratch. They keep kicking out all of the food out of their feeder and digging small pits in their bedding.

I was thinking of taking them outside for a few min of time in the grass. They would be contained in a cardboard fence. They did well with crushed mealworms and small pieces of snow peas.

Is 16 days too early to try this?

 

[CoopintheWoods]

As long as the grass is dry and the weather is warm, they should be fine. You will need to supervise them to be sure they don't try to escape, and that no predators bother them.

Have fun!

 

[NatJ]

Is 16 days too early to try this?

No, it is not too early. If they were being raised by a mother hen, she would have them on grass at just a few days old. Of course, she would watch out for predators, keep them from getting lost, and warm them up if they get cold--all of these are your job now

 

[BaaKaaawk]

I put mine out real young as long as it is 85 degrees or more- but of course in a protected environment. A cat or dog crate with the lid open and placed upside-down so they can be in the grass is an easy and safe way to do it. Make sure they have plenty of water and shade, especially as you get over 90 degrees because although they like it hot- 90 and direct sun can sunburn them.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

As long as its 60 out, and not windy, my chicks had some play time at about 5 days and older

 

[the_peep_squad]

I was thinking 10-15min supervised. Especially since loud bird likes to test his wings. He jumped from the sink, where I was taking pictures, back into the brooder flapping all the way down.