Okay plan for chicks? [update: It's working!]

[Mattpenna]

Good luck trying to tame those beasts!

 

[HappyPlace]

Thank you, ObnoxiousVegetarian!

I think I'm creating a problem for myself... It warmed up and turned plenty sunny so I let the chicks out after all. Straight out of the carrier and right into catching bugs, eating grass and sunbathing. A tiny bit of food was incentive enough to get in the coop, but then they refused to leave it. After an hour of play (and dinner time coming up), I decided that was enough for today. They, however, did not. Trying to catch 19 cockroaches is not fun in the least and took me almost a half hour rounding them up. They were running in the coop, out of the coop, around the coop, around the pen. Even sitting still and waiting for them to come to the carrier on their own wasn't working.

I would prefer the transistion be gradual so they don't have too much stress on them, but they seemed happy to just stay out. Just over a week left before they will full time... Thank goodness. I don't think I want to keep chasing little chicks all over.

 

[HappyPlace]

Getting closer to outside full time.

Today is the first day that they get to be out longer than a few hours. They went out at lunch and are getting to stay out until just before sundown.

I am noticing something, though. They have water and food and sticks and plenty of things to keep them entertained and plenty of space to run in and explore, but they don't really seem interested...? If I watch them from the house, they're just lounging around, but when I go out to the pen, they get up and start exploring and playing. Is it something that I can help them with? Are they maybe just a little insecure still?

 

[Eris]

I definitely think its just insecure, they are used to their brooder and not all that open space. I think they will be fine after a few more times trying it. I don't have a secure area for my to go to yet outside. I'm jealous yours have already enjoyed it.

 

[HappyPlace]

They have been outside now for 4 hours (the longest they have ever been) and seem to actually be exploring a bit. Only about a step or two from the coop, but it's still exploring!

I had to let the dog out, though, and she scared them quite a bit. This is the same dog that, in her excitement, accidently killed a chick on day 2. Their pen is in her pen (the fenced in backyard), though, so I guess they have to get used to her.

I'm really hoping the next few days stay nice so they can move out. They may be too shy/scared to go far in their coop/run, but they are way too bored in their brooder and are starting to seriously be a pain.

 

[HappyPlace]

My chicks spent all of yesterday outside and since the night wasn't going to be too cold, I decided it was time. They spent the whole night outside and did great!

I checked on them this morning and fed and watered them and they've been up and running since. I'm so proud!!!

 

[larsonll]

So happy for you! I'm 2 days into the chicks in the coop, and I am thrilled about the lack of work but sad that I cannot pick them up as easily...my coop is not one I can walk into.

 

[HappyPlace]

Thank you.

My coop is small, just big enough to reach into if I duck down. Luckily, the run is pretty big and at least 6 feet tall.

I'm actually amazed at my chickies. They were decent (if a pain) in their brooder, but now, they really seem to know who is "momma hen". Leaving them in the pen, they have no problem coming up to me to talk or even be picked up. It's so nice.

They haven't quite gotten down going into the coop at night yet, and last night I had to put them in again for bed. They actually flocked right to me, sitting at my feet and flying onto my shoulders and arms. I know it was just because they were a little chilly and confused about what to do, but they've never done that before.

My little "cockroaches" are actually sweet little birds now. I hope they're still this sweet when they're older.

 

[larsonll]

Mine are nicer after moving to the coop too. They come to me and let me pick them up.