next step for 3 week old chicks

[Sandrachx]

i have never had baby chicks so i am not sure how to transition them from the box with the lamp in it. it is apparent that they need more room now (4-silkie bantams; 4 packing peanut roosters) and i was thinking of a large box with a screened top. how long do i keep them in that? when do i let them see daylight? they have been in the garage for 3 weeks. should i give them short roosting poles now? how old before i can put them with the other hens i have? seemed easier to have adults only, but it is such fun to watch them grow and explore!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Mine are roosting already and they are only 5 days old. I would give them some poles of some sort. I took apart my dryer thingy for clothes. That cheap thing that unfolds and can hold wet laundry. The love it. If it's warm enough I would bring them outside with a fence around them and let the forage for a while. I have mine in a family room where the sun comes in a bit and they LOVE laying in the sun.

 

[gritsar]

Depending on where you live and the temps., you could be taking them outside now for some supervised playtime. The sunshine is good for them, as it is for all living creatures. They'll enjoy the chance to forage too.
You could offer them short roosts now too. We made our first roosts out of PVC, about 18" long. Put PVC "Ls" at each end, then another short piece of PVC, and PVC "Ts" as the stand. Total cost was about $1.50 each. They've worked great and are easy to clean.