So I tried taking on of the babies that is a month old outside to the grass today and he (pretty sure it's going to be a rooster) wasn't wanting anything to do with it. He would not get off my hand and kept running up my arm.
I am pretty sure this is probably normal, but how do I help them become outside birds? I know I still have several weeks to go before moving them out, but won't they get more afraid as they get older?
trust me when its time to get out there they will be more than fine. Its natural to be skittish at first, after all chickens are notorious for hating change. mine went out several week later than normal birds would have because it was such a cold summer last year, but when I finally open the pop door for them to get out not a single one wanted out. then the next day one popped her head out and then a foot and then she came out. but as soon as she touched grass she gawked and ran back in. It maybe took her another hour to decide she kind of liked it out there and when the rest saw her going around pecking at flowers and grass and yummy worms, well lets just say I had a hard time putting them back in that night and every night for at least 2 weeks after that. but eventually they got around to it and began putting themselves in. the key is to teach them how its supposed to be. Now I let them out in the morning, gather eggs and then at night I go and close the pop door, they are already roosting and comfy waiting for me to say good night
I am pretty sure this is probably normal, but how do I help them become outside birds? I know I still have several weeks to go before moving them out, but won't they get more afraid as they get older?
