Hi,
I have four chicks, ranging in age from 6-8 weeks, and we're ready to start transitioning them to be outdoors. Last weekend, we had a warm, sunny day in Seattle, so we took them outside and into a pen near where my 2-year-old hens were running around. The little ones were pretty freaked out and did more standing around than exploring. My 8-week Barnevelder was particularly distressed. She moved around the pen a bit, but was distressed and breathing hard and didn't relax the way the others did.
I did my best to talk to her and pet her but after an hour, she was pretty much still wigged out, so I sat her on my lap, she calmed down a bit and even took a brief nap.
Other than taking them outside more often, does anyone have any suggestions for making things less scary for the kiddos?
Thanks!
Victoria
I have four chicks, ranging in age from 6-8 weeks, and we're ready to start transitioning them to be outdoors. Last weekend, we had a warm, sunny day in Seattle, so we took them outside and into a pen near where my 2-year-old hens were running around. The little ones were pretty freaked out and did more standing around than exploring. My 8-week Barnevelder was particularly distressed. She moved around the pen a bit, but was distressed and breathing hard and didn't relax the way the others did.
I did my best to talk to her and pet her but after an hour, she was pretty much still wigged out, so I sat her on my lap, she calmed down a bit and even took a brief nap.
Other than taking them outside more often, does anyone have any suggestions for making things less scary for the kiddos?
Thanks!
Victoria
