Letting Chicks Outside

[1crazychick]

Hello,
If there is anyone out there who can give me advice on when is good time to let me chicks start roaming freely, would be appreciated!
My chicks are about 11/2 months old. They currently have been cooped (in sufficient space and ventilation) and are very happy. They will have access to 5 acres when we decide to let them out, but am afraid they are to small and will not know to come back to coop for night time safety. I cant picture myself running 5 acres to chase these little guys down. We previously have had bantam chickens but they were coop kept as well. Can some someone give any info? Thanks....

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

First of all,

I would wait until they are nearly full size. At 6 weeks, they are SUPER easy targets for predators. Also, waiting until they are POL, will give any roos you have time to figure out that they are supposed to protect their girls.

 

[teach1rusl]

Well...my girls had a run when they were chicks, so I used that first, before allowing them to explore the property. So if I didn't have a run, I'd probably put a temporary one up (just some chicken wire and a few green metal posts) for a few weeks so that they'd learn about going outside/inside and get use to going inside at night. Then I'd open up a section of the wire and leave that up for another week or two. Then I'd take the temp. fence down. That's just how I'd do it. I like gradual adjustments with my animals...from chickens to dogs.

 

[1crazychick]

Great!!! Thanks so much. Have been worried I had them in to long since they would be free ranging. I WILL WAIT.
No bird will fly the coop before it's time...

Saw you had some Salmons. Do you ship? I would love some!!!!

 

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
I'll PM you...

 

[JohnL11935]

When its time to let them out try this little trick I've been using for years.

Get yourself a coffee can or something else with a removable top. Fill it about half-way with scratch grains. While walking into your run, give the can a few shakes and then spread some scratch on the ground for your girls. They will learn to associate that sound with their favorite food and come running every time.

Thats what I do anytime I want my hens back inside for dusk - works like a charm.


Hope this helps.



.

 

[enggass]

When you say Scratch you mean...? I am new to all of this as well. Lots of new terminology to learn and many have the same/dual meanings.

 

[Dogfish]

Have you built a run attached to their coop?

 

[1crazychick]

No, no run. But looks like it may be a good idea too? Even if it comes down later. We have a Great Dane Crate. HUGE. We did dicuss putting that up to their outside door. Maybe it will work after all. (as long as they cant get through:/...
Any other suggestions?

 

[Dogfish]

If you have a run that is protected from predators, you can let them out. I would also not let them free range until they were full grown.