I have been putting 5 and 6 week olds outside everyday. They have a nice place to stretch their wings and run around a bit. Thought I would leave them outside last night for the first time. I have been going out to get them before dark. Well went outside to go eat with friends and I hear this really loud peeping from up the hill. Crying " where are you. Its dark, we are scared of the dark. And to preditors," come and eat me, come and eat me". I don't have time to get them so I open the door and ask DS to please go get the babies. He said they all came running to him and he picked them all up with no one running away. I guess I am a big softy. Glad I brought them in tho. It got down in the 30's. Oh well here we go back outside this morning.
I always place my new chicks outside at about 4 weeks in a separate coop/run with two adult silkies who are very gentle with the babies. Has worked well for me. Good Luck.
