Letting Chicks Outside

[adeechickluv]

I have a small run attached to the coop. Right now they are 3-4 weeks old and still in the brooder, with a heat lamp, inside our garage. I'll let them out in another week or two, when the coop's done. So how old do they need to be to be able to roam free in the enclosed yard?

 

[12GAGirl]

I tried letting my flock free range at about 6 months old and the poor babies were scared half to death. So, I waited a few more weeks before trying it again and this time was a success. My flock took it slow and didn't roam very far from their chicken kingdom but now they run all over the yard and even return to their coop for water during their exploring time. My flock have a coop/run so letting them out isn't a must bu I do enjoy seeing them out free ranging and sunning themselves. My flock also are so funny looking when they see me open the door to the feed shed and they all come charging over wanting a handout!

 

[12GAGirl]

I waited for my flock to be 10 weeks before butting them in the coop/run. I let them roam around in the enclosed run from day one but had to assist them in the coop in the afternoons for a week until they got the hang of roosting at night.
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[1crazychick]

Yeah New Run!!! I am so excited and They were too!!!! It turned out great.
Still needs a few things but, it more than doubled their space..

 

[nelgkel]

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looks great!!

 

[WoodlandWoman]

 

[Ms. Cluckingly]

Awesome job! They'll love it.

 

[1crazychick]

I am excited and love to watch them. First thing in the morning they are fighting to get out the door first!!!
It ended up being a great spot on the east side of the barn, out of the wind, shaded in the afternoon and the northside, hard to see is my Great Dane's House!! 8' tall! She is a huge baby and loves to lay infront of the run and watch them.. Curious, but doesnt want them...
So, they are well protected. You cant tell but it also has chicken wire all around the run to protect from little varments getting in!!
There are actually a couple of my chicks in that pic, but there are pretty small still. I will post more as they get a little bigger...