Pet chickens, Raising and Socialization

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

In the previous year and a half, I've raised countless batches of peeps inside my living room, totally babying and coddling them and handling them regularly. When they went outside at 6 weeks, they were just nuts.

The last few groups of peeps, I threw them outside on the grass in a little open-floor brooder hut and only went out to feed/water them twice a day. They developed much more quickly and strongly and now, with the oldest being 7 weeks, they flock to me whenever I walk near them. I can hand feed them and pick up anybody I want.

Pasture-raising is the only way I'll roll now.

 

[BoerneChickens]

Quote:
At what age do you start putting them out on the grass? Do you bring them into the house/brooder at night or just a coop?

 

[Celtic Hill]

Humm, Thanks guys. So just alot of Handling ! oh and when it comes to feeding time, hand feed!

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

GotChicken? :

Quote:
Are Waxworms the smae as meal worms? Sorry - new to this and haven't heard of them before

Same thing. However, they should be called "turn your chicks into freakshows" worms.

Nope, waxworms are way different. The are the larvae of a moth, and look like squishy grubs. Mealworms are larvae of a darkling beatle, and have a hard exoskeleton.
In my opinion chicks would love waxworms MUCH more than mealworms. They are high in fat and are soft.

 

[Celtic Hill]

Where do you get waxworms?

 

[Briney Dave]

bait shops will have waxworms (bluegills love time too)
how old is ok to start giving them stuff like this??

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

I'd wait 2 weeks just to be sure. Make sure to give them grit once you start too.

 

[RAWR]

spend time with them

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Regular snorgeling and lopperdop smooching. Oh and treats!

 

[Celtic Hill]

What else can you use as treats?