Silly Question?

[bitsy68]

When I was a teenager I fostered a chick for my sister who was in the hospital for several weeks. She kept it in the house because it wasn't doing well. When I had it it stayed in the house but I would take it outside with me to scratch in the grass. I always stayed with it and she would follow me every where I went. Now I have my own chicks-20 years later and I would like to know if I can take them out tof walk in the grass. They are 4 weeks old and have been in their brooder inside the house since I got them. If I take them out will they run/fly away? I know it may be a silly question but I don't want to do anything to endanger them!

 

[GitaBooks]

Tame chicks are a ton of fun to walk!

Chicks love to go on walks, it builds a bond with you and teaches them how to sun bathe, forage, and they love the fresh air. If it is cool out only leave them out around 10 minutes. If you are afraid they may get frightened and scatter, try putting a simple bit of wiring around them, enough to prevent scattering, it doesn't have to be predator proof.

Best of luck with your chicks!

 

[WSDtrainer]

I am a dog trainer so early on I started "training" my chickens. I use a clicker and whatever fruit I might have, apple pieces, grapes etc.
They are a quick study! After a few random clicks and treats to make the connection, I start moving about a bit - (all this being done around their brooder box). As they get older I click - voice call - and treat.... later I can get rid of the clicker. By the time we are ready to "free range" under supervision they "come" when called. It has worked far better than my husband on one side of the pine tree and me on the other chasing chickens before Bible Study! CP

 

[bitsy68]

WSDtrainer that's a great idea, I am not a dog trainer, but have taken all my dogs for training, I will be breaking out the clicker and meal worms tomorrow!

 

[azygous]

I can verify that chicks learn very quickly using treats along with visual and verbal/audio cues. A clicker is just another form of verbal/audio cue and should work splendidly.

I suggest you also use verbal cues and sight cues along with the clicker in case you need to get the chicks, and later on as they grow into adults, to come to you quickly and you forgot the clicker.

I use a hand signal along with a word. I place meals worms, or any small concealable treat, into my closed fist. As I point to my fist with my other hand, I open it to reveal the treats. Soon the chicks come running every time they see me point to my closed fist, whether I have treats or not.

You never have to worry about your chicks getting away from you because they will always come running when you give them the signal you taught them.

The other day, I didn't see my four nine-week old chicks in the run after all the chickens had returned from free-ranging. So I called them with the verbal cue I use, and they instantly materialized in front of me. Darn, success is sweet!

 

[WSDtrainer]

you are so right on - after they are "clicker" trained, I bridge from the click to calling "GIRLS......." and they all come running.
I like the idea of adding the target/hand signal.... good addition to keeping them safe and easing the "round up" for other family members too Thanks.

Bitsy68 - let us know how it goes.