moving chicks outside when summer doesn't exist

[valibby]

A few pictures. I'm posting more over on the "what the heck are these??" forum.

This isn't the first time they've been outside, but it's been a few days since the weather has been AWFUL. They didn't even take a minute for "jumping and flapping time" as they usually do. They went straight for the only patch of dirt in this area and then crawled all over each other trying to negotiate the best spot in the dirt.

Here's the one little guy I'm more worried about. He's the same age as the others but just over half the size. Notice his beak. It always looks like that. He doesn't seem to have any problems with eating. He snuck into the house, walked across the dining room, hopped onto a chair, hopped onto the table, walked over to the windowsill, and stole kitten food.

And here are the big girls and their area:

 

[ReikiStar]

Quote:
A little off-topic: You have a little cross beak there. If you intend on keeping him you should know as he grows, the separation can get worse. Getting enough food is always the challenge with these guys, which could be why he's smaller. Do yourself and him a favor and start to file back his beak. Both top and bottom will grow long because they don't have the other beak to create friction and keep them worn down (plus since they aren't right in front, where he's trying to peck, they aren't getting any wear & tear on them). Most cross beaks suffer because their beaks are allowed to get too long. They can't open their mouths wide enough to get food in. Just a nail file will work right now. As he gets older, you might want to use something like a Pedi-Paws, they are quicker. We have to file ours every week, so don't be surprised if your little guy's beak requires frequent trims.

I love that he's got moxie and takes matters into his own hands....kitten food snatcher!