Our 4 bantam chicks are 2.5 weeks old now. For the last few days we've taken them in the backyard to explore. They love it. They run around, forage and test their wings. We've been taking them out for about 30 minutes, twice a day (supervised). Yesterday we let them into their run for a few minutes to check it out. I say "run" but it's just a really small enclosed area attached to their coop... when they're full-grown they'll be allowed to free-range for most of the day in our backyard. The coop is right next to our back patio, so we sat out there while they spent a few minutes checking it out. Today I let them run around the yard, then put them in their run. They were out there for about 45 minutes. At first (while I was out there) they were wandering around, but once I went inside to make lunch, they huddled together and started peeping really loudly. We live in Florida and our weather is in the 80s right now, so they shouldn't be cold. Are they scared of being alone out there? We don't plan to put them outside full-time for several weeks, but how do we acclimate them to being outside? Should we put them out in their run for a little while every day and gradually increase the time? Can you tell I'm a first-timer?
maybe something startled them? You have the right idea though, put them out there everyday, they will get used to it. Maybe put a treat in there?
yes you are doing it right. That is how I start getting mine used to the coop they are going into. I will bring them out in a cage and let them get used to the grass and just being outside. The noise and my family and I walking near them as well. Then when the coop they are going into is ready I will put them in it for a few hours at a time,with their food and water and some treats. Will not take them long to get used to being in the new coop. Really like how you built it by the way. would actually make a great chicken tractor as well. deana
