Is discouraging flight a bad thing?

[HudokFarm]

My little one+ week old chicks are in their flight-testing stages. My brooder is 24" tall and a few have nearly cleared the side attempting to see what is on the other side. I have hardware cloth and am going to build a frame to attach it to for the top of the brooder this afternoon. Will this be OK? They really don't NEED to try to fly, do they? They will have plenty of time to do that when they are out of the brooder in another few weeks, right?

 

[heybarb]

I am anxious to hear what others have to say. This is our first experience with chicks too, and twice I have found one perched on the side of the box. I keep adding cardboard to make it taller and taller. It's currently about 3 feet tall.

 

[mikecnorthwest]

Yes, you should cover the top of the brooder. In fact, that's what most people do otherwise they will get out. Check my BYC page and you'll see pics of my brooder.

 

[HudokFarm]

Thanks, Mike. The height is not an issue then?

 

[mikecnorthwest]

I don't think so... at least not know. It might get a little cramped as they grow.

 

[the1much]

3ft. is plenty for them. and yes they should already be tryin to fight and fly. all that working out makes them healthy birds and strong roos

 

[Ilovemyduckies]

Yes, you should be fine putting something on the top so they can't get out. They can hold out a few weeks until you get them outside

 

[Dingo]

I have a covered brooder, although I usually let them come out for a while and flap around. But I like watching them fly around, and encourage them to fly onto my arm, or lap.