Update: my fuzzy family is growing up!

[The chicken wizard]

Heres an upgrade on patty, nugget, and Honey, our fluffy family of 3 buff orpington chicks. Today they are 16 days old. Its shocking how quickly they learn and grow! They practically have all their flight feathers, which I guess is an adaptation for wild chicks to be able to fly sooner. Hen-thropology is fascinating!

I was pondering over two ideas, though. Fist of all, since the chicks are getting more anxious and restless, I was considering taking them on walks in our backyard to give them a feel of their future home, enrich their chickhoods, and teach them about nature. Since it rained last week, there are flowers blooming everywhere, and I thought it would be warm enough for a little exploring. Is that a good idea, or should I wait until the chicks are 3 weeks old?
Secondly, I've noticed that evem though they enjoy dust baths, they tend to build up feces on ther feet, and I'll constantly notice them trying to pack it off. Are they too young for an actual bath in water, or is the leg pooping a way if cooling themselves like vultures do?
Like always, happy pecking

 

[rosemarythyme]

I thought it would be warm enough for a little exploring. Is that a good idea, or should I wait until the chicks are 3 weeks old?

Secondly, I've noticed that evem though they enjoy dust baths, they tend to build up feces on ther feet, and I'll constantly notice them trying to pack it off. Are they too young for an actual bath in water

I wouldn't "take them on a walk" but they certainly can go outside for a little while, as long as it's not too cold, windy or rainy. You can make a small enclosure out of a dog play pen or some hardware cloth (make sure openings aren't too big or they'll squirt out!) and put them in the yard for some supervised play.

Poopy feet is part of having chickens. But if it's pretty bad you can wet a paper towel and wipe off their feet. If they're getting a lot of poop on their feet, it's because they're stomping on it in their brooder. Might need to clean out the brooder more often.

 

[N F C]

They sure do grow quickly!

Little outings into the yard (like @rosemarythyme suggested) is nice for the chicks, just keep an eye on them.

 

[The chicken wizard]

Thanks! I'll gladly take this advice, although I'll wait until Monday. It just started raining cats and dogs, or as I say, it's raining feathers and eggs!

 

[808momof4]

We have been taking our young flock out to the yard daily since they were about 14 days old. We live in Hawaii, so the weather is not too hot or cold right now. We only do it for a short time and then back to the brooder to warm up right away. It's so fun to watch them explore.