Questions

[SilverBirds]

Oh, that's a good idea. I hadn't thought of that. Our natural dirt is a mixture of sand and clay. Will that be okay for them? I'll make sure it's not wet or clumpy or anything.

I don't have any outdoor brooder, but we do have the coop ready and secure.

Yes, that will be perfectly fine.

Thank you so much! Since this is my first time having them. I guess I expected them to sleep more? I mean, they sleep and very soundly. But they are awake a lot and eating/drinking so I wanted to make sure they weren't getting bored in there.

They may take a few naps during the day but for the most part chicks are always on the move from day one. They'll become more active as the weeks go by and they learn to use their wings.

 

[kattabelly]

If they're only a few days old, don't worry about enrichment. Mine take about 2 weeks to fully get their sea legs with eating/drinking/warming up. 3 weeks is the perfect time to start field trips, larger brooder, and enrichment.

Otoh, I start taking chicks outside at two or three days old (only short trips at first but the weather here is quite a bit colder) and by three weeks they're absolute terrors if for some reason they don't get to spend at least a good part of the day outdoors.

Ymmv. Try stuff and see what works for your chicks.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Otoh, I start taking chicks outside at two or three days old (only short trips at first but the weather here is quite a bit colder) and by three weeks they're absolute terrors if for some reason they don't get to spend at least a good part of the day outdoors.

Ymmv. Try stuff and see what works for your chicks.

Like you said, it depends on the chicks. My two groups of bantams have been a little slower on the uptake, and we had a cold spring. So I agree, it could be earlier. 3 weeks is definitely the turning point though!

 

[Bigdumogre]

Best part of taking them outside for day trips other than all the good stuff they will eat, is that after a few hours outside they knock out for hours.

 

[ChickenChick46]

Yes, that will be perfectly fine.


They may take a few naps during the day but for the most part chicks are always on the move from day one. They'll become more active as the weeks go by and they learn to use their wings.

Thank you so much for all the good information. I truly appreciate you and everyone here that has been so helpful!

 

[ChickenChick46]

Best part of taking them outside for day trips other than all the good stuff they will eat, is that after a few hours outside they knock out for hours.

My daughter will appreciate that, lol. They're in our guest room, but it's got a door that connects to her room. We keep it locked, but she says they're very vocal little things at times.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd monitor the temperatures day and night in the coop for a few days, but you might be able to just move them out and finish brooding in the coop if the coop doesn't get too hot or too cool at night (or if you have electricity out there, you can provide heat that way). More room and "fun" for the chicks.

 

[ChickenChick46]

I'd monitor the temperatures day and night in the coop for a few days, but you might be able to just move them out and finish brooding in the coop if the coop doesn't get too hot or too cool at night (or if you have electricity out there, you can provide heat that way). More room and "fun" for the chicks.

Thank you for the advice, this sounds great. At sunrise this morning, it's 77 degrees F where I am, so nights are definitely warm.

 

[ChickenChick46]

This is actually a really good sign. It means the temperature and environment are comfortable enough for them to be active. And they're healthy!

I know opinions will differ, but I focus on the basics for the first couple weeks. After that, they can start to get bored. Or at least need more room to flutter and posture at each other!

That is so reassuring! I've read I don't even know how many books on chickens, and even more from online sources/blogs/BYC and the like. I've even cared for my neighbor's huge flock while she's on vacation.

But similar to having a baby, nothing can fully prepare you until you've got your own chicks. And I'm so happy to have them after wanting them for so many years that I might be a tad helicopter parent like, lol.

 

[ChickenChick46]

Otoh, I start taking chicks outside at two or three days old (only short trips at first but the weather here is quite a bit colder) and by three weeks they're absolute terrors if for some reason they don't get to spend at least a good part of the day outdoors.

Ymmv. Try stuff and see what works for your chicks.

Lol, yeah these are currently in my guest bedroom, so we want to keep any future shenanigans to a minimum.