I wanted to add that right now I have 17 chicks out in a 7x13 covered run. The chicks have access to fly around and spend their time exploring. They still know me because Im that big giant of a chicken with dried mealworms that shakes the bag and most of the chicks come running. I like getting them used to the treat bag because its necessary to get them in at night when they get older. Some chicks wont come to mealworm time so they miss out until the next offering.
The new chicks I had shipped to me didnt even know what mealworms were but Ive found that increased animal treats feather the chicks faster so I really use it to feather them up. They of course love the treats. I found a 42oz bag of mealworm treats yesterday at IFA on sale for 20.00 YAY. If your chicks dont like mealworms find what works for them. I have no problem bribing them with treats to get them to do what I want as they get older.
More than one person has poo poo'd me for having the chicks out so early. Some of the chicks are a little over 3 weeks old the others are 4+ weeks old. It helps I live in Vegas and the days are close to 77. I couldnt take all the noise they made in my house and they are happier out and exploring. I dont have to pick them up to move them back and forth and most have most of their feathers in. You can buy an Xpen for dogs and convert it with plastic poultry fencing from Home dept around the bottom to keep the chicks in. Thats what I did. If its nice outside they can fly around in it and mock fight. If that isnt an option try the garage.
Story of our raising and hatching own to process of mixed flock
Incubator temperature not reading the same?
Oyster shell...we finally got an egg!
