Outside excursions

[Monchicks]

I'm looking at letting my 3 little girls have a frolick outside when the weather is warm and trying to find the right enclosure.
My questions are:
Does this enclosure need to have a roof? I want them to be able to sunbake but like a mesh roof or anything? I'm in Melbourne Australia, they'll only be going out when it's warm and sunny so weather isn't an issue, do I need to worry about any birds taking them? Is this less of an issue when they're fully feathered and ready to be big free range chickens permanently?

Thanks

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

How old are they? For excursions I usually put chicks in a wire dog kennel with the bottom tray removed so they have access to dirt/grass. I use the tray to partially cover the top so they have shade if they need it and sun if they want.

 

[Monchicks]

They're only 2 weeks and will be supervised short visits for now. Yep okay, looking at dog pens, I could keep half in the shade so they have access

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

If you’re going to be with them you can use an outdoor playpen like people use with puppies or kids. It’s only a problem if they’re flying over the top but anything over the top to stop that will be fine. I like the dog kennel for slightly bigger chicks because I don’t supervise them the whole time.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I use a pop-up mesh/screen canopy tent. I feel better having a roof over them to protect them from aerial predators and provide shade. They still get sunlight through the sides.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Just make sure they have the option of shade and wind protection, however it's set up, and that either the walls are tall enough to prevent flyouts (they can easily get over 2' at that age) or covered with well secured netting (at a minimum) to prevent flyouts.