Taking chicks outside/taming them

[kcal]

I’m brand new to this site - Been around chickens growing up but never had my own so this is my first flock!
I am working on taming our 14 chicks (2.5 weeks old). I had planned on interacting with and holding them more early on, but I have a 19 month old child and it has proven to be difficult to watch him and give them attention at the same time, so I have only been able to spend time with them before he wakes up, after he goes to bed, and during naps. I have been putting feed in my hand and most of them will come over and eat, and there’s several that will lay in my hand, roost on my arm, or snuggle my hand, but there’s 5 that just take a couple pecks of food and then run away.
I have read that setting up a pen outside and sitting in it with them can help. But I am wondering how old they need to be/how warm it should be. I have larger breeds so they have feather coming in but still quite a bit of fuzz. We’re having above normal temps where I live so I thought today might be a good chance to take them out. Is 80 degrees warm enough to take them out at 2.5 weeks old? Should I limit the amount of time before I put them back in the brooder? I also read that introducing treats can help, so I plan on doing that today since I have already introduced grit.

 

[sourland]

80F should be warm enough to take them out for monitored periods of time. Chickens are more comfortable when approached on their level rather than from above. Predators frequently attack from above so they tend to be cautious about being approached from above. Be aware that when first moved outside chicks will be nervous as chickens hate change. Good luck in taming your flock.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Welcome to BYC!
80 degrees will be fine if you have been reducing the temperature by 5 degrees F each week. You don't have to limit the time out if the temperature outside is the same as the brooder, but it's better to do so. Treats will be fine if they have grit or you have granite outside for them in the pen they will be in.

 

[kcal]

80F should be warm enough to take them out for monitored periods of time. Chickens are more comfortable when approached on their level rather than from above. Predators frequently attack from above so they tend to be cautious about being approached from above. Be aware that when first moved outside chicks will be nervous as chickens hate change. Good luck in taming your flock.

Thank you! I just want them tame enough that they aren’t afraid of us and will accept visitors who come over. Although my oldest son would love it if a few of them end up being “lap chickens”