What age are they safe in the run alone?

[Hamstery]

We have four baby chicks, 5 weeks old tomorrow. They moved out to the coop this weekend. We let them out in the run during the day while we were outside to supervise. They love it and have been having small trips out there for some time.
Back to work today so no one is home most of the day. They were begging to come out this morning. But I'm not sure when it's safe to let them roam the run all day alone. It's secured on all four sides and the top with chicken wire. And the wire is buried on all sides as well. We don't have any loose dogs in the neighborhood and I would think that any other predators would only be out at night ( when they are safe in the coop) , but correct me if I am wrong please.
We had four adult hens in the same run every day with no issues for many months, but i am worried because the babies are so small.
When did you leave your chicks in the run unsupervised?

 

[chicmom]

I think they'll be fine. At this age, provided the weather is warm, they should be able to run in and out of the coop, into their enclosed run, all day long.

 

[robynz]

I would think they would be fine - I left my 4 week olds home alone in my yard yesterday for 4 hours (we don't have the wire up in the run yet) They don't wander far

 

[Hellinahelmet]

They ought to be fine at this age, barring any bizarre cold weather.

 

[Hamstery]

They haven't learned to go back IN by themselves and I don't know yet how well they can maneuver the ramp. So I will start letting them out each night this week before dark and see how they do with that.
Thanks for your replies. I will feel better about leaving them out now. They just seem so small.

 

[nakstk]

I have 3 that will be 5 weeks old tomorrow and was going to ask the same question. I will keep a light on them if it get to cold at night but I want them to be able to adjust to being outside. They have been in our garage since we got them. The only thing I am worried about is the grass. I don't have any grit small enough for them and their coop and run is out in the grass.

 

[wantbantams]

They will eat grass and dirt and should be fine with no grit.

 

[bj taylor]

my only hesitation would be that chicken wire is very penetrable by predators. perhaps you live in an area w/low numbers of predators & it will be fine.

 

[GardenGal]

I would be nervous about predators too, unless you live in a very urban area. I've seen raccoons and coyotes about at all hours, not to mention hawks and eagles, and we live within the city limits of a small/medium town. Also, I really recommend hardware cloth because rodents LOVE chicken food, and that's just a nasty problem. Sorry to be the voice of doom, just want to spare you potential heartache.

 

[Hamstery]

I have been thinking a lot about the run and I think I want to cover it all with 2x4 welded wire. Opinions?