Pecking at jumping toward top of brooder

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Thinking my babies are ready to go, get out and play. Unfortunately their coop is not even started (on the 3rd). We have collar and chain for the dog though.

Two weeks old and they look like hens (with down feathers though). Scratching the flooring through the wood chips; bless their hearts.

 

[azygous]

Get them outside in a safe pen during the day, protected from predators. Any temp over 70 will be comfortable for them. Shade is necessary.

They will remind you to quit dallying with the coop construction. These guys are ready to be chickens and wondering why their humans are so slow in launching their chicken careers.

 

[3KillerBs]

You can take them outside for a short visit, but make sure to use something tight enough for their temporary pen.

They'll scoot right through 2x4 wire.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

Get them outside in a safe pen during the day, protected from predators. Any temp over 70 will be comfortable for them. Shade is necessary.

They will remind you to quit dallying with the coop construction. These guys are ready to be chickens and wondering why their humans are so slow in launching their chicken careers.

Yes, yes, Mamma can't do it until her $$$ arrives though. Meanwhile, I am looking, reading, and making sure we get them a way good home. At this point a hoop style, Porta Pen 180 foot tractor type is winning. I am so excited for them. They'll probably be kicking me out saying, "Mamma ain't you got your own house"?

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

You can take them outside for a short visit, but make sure to use something tight enough for their temporary pen.

They'll scoot right through 2x4 wire.

Perhaps I should get another play pen thingy like they are brooding in. One in their room over there, and the other for visits outside. Oh, but wait, they won't be touching the ground so perhaps a moot point. Hmmmm. I have seen this . . .

And it will be useful for future chicks. That would be nice for them to go out to play on my days off work. I could be reading or turning compost pile or something useful while they are out. Or, simply watching them.

 

[3KillerBs]

You could make a simple pen from 2x2s and hardware cloth.

 

[azygous]

I'm with @3KillerBs ! I wouldn't spend a cent on a temporary play pen. Ask around. I bet someone you know has a roll of used, ugly, warped chicken wire or hardware cloth under the weeds behind a shed that the wife has been nagging her man to haul to the dump and they'd be delighted to let you have it for free. That leave a frame to nail it to. For that, make a trip to your local lumber yard and ask them where their scrap pile is. It's free in most yards, and you can probably find enough 2x4s or 2x2s to assemble a frame.
Save the $$ for the permanent structure, which looks wonderful, by the way.

 

[Hip Hillbilly Acres]

I'm with @3KillerBs ! I wouldn't spend a cent on a temporary play pen. ask them where their scrap pile is. It's free in most yards, and you can probably find enough 2x4s or 2x2s to assemble a frame.
Save the $$ for the permanent structure, which looks wonderful, by the way.

Hmm, never knew there was one. I am off today so I am on it!

Thanks gals!