Letting Chicks Outside

[Cloverleaf Farm]

Quote:
It's a different type of feed that is meant as a treat. Cracked corn would have the same effect.

 

[Willow's Meadow]

I have a question to add! What age is considered full grown??

 

[proud mama m&L]

that all sounds like great sdvice! i am new to all of this as well. i have 3 1/4 acres and was not sure if i should let my girls run free or not. mine are about 4 weeks old, is it ok to let them go outside for a little bit rite now? i will have a baby gate up so they cant get away. my concern was they would get to cold since they are still under a heat lamp. they do not have all of their feathers yet so thats what my worry was. im not sure if you let yours outside or not yet. let me know what you tried.

 

[1crazychick]

Tried the Dog Crate!! They loved it!! Started dust bathing right away!

 

[1crazychick]

And they even went in on their own at dusk!!! How wonderful!! I am so excited!
Thanks for all of your help

 

[WoodlandWoman]

That's great!

The problem with younger birds is that even cats can kill them. They have all the predators that adult chickens have and then more, because of their smaller size. Plus, it takes them a little while to get "yard smart."

 

[1crazychick]

Once they are full size, do they hold there own well when left free ranging against cats? We live in the country and do have the little varments sneaking around. I wont clip feathers definitely but can they survive well?

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Once in awhile people have had a problem with a particular cat, but I think it's rare. In general, they usually aren't a problem with adult chickens. We've never had a problem here and we have ferals, barn cats and pet cats that wander around here.

Now, dogs are another story and are bad news for chickens. Also, large hawks. Since we put in more perimeter fencing, hawks are our biggest worry.

 

[cafarmgirl]

We have a lot of feral cats around here and I have only had a couple of occasions that a very large, very nasty tom has gone after my full grown chickens. Young chickens would not have had a chance against him. We have taken care of that problem but there's always another. IMHO, I would build a run for your chickens so they can get outside and be protected until they are grown. Even after they are grown it's nice to have a run to keep them in if you need to contain them for any reason. Mine are always in their run when I go to town or whatever. Dogs running loose are always a menace and can wipe out your whole flock in minutes.

 

[1crazychick]

I will only let them out when I am home and with them, until they are larger. But they really enjoyed it. Maybe more in the coming weeks... Have to keep them safe!!
Thanks for all your advice!