Ok. Since i don't know where you are located, it would be hard to tell. Usually you put chicks out at 6 weeks, but this all depends. If you are having 70+ degree weather in the day, you can put young chicks, like three weeks, out in the day, but they would still need a light at night. Also, if you are having cold weather, like 30 or less, i would still keep a lamp on them, just because they are still young. You need to keep the chicks in until at least 3 weeks though, anyway, just because they will need very warm temps. You will have to use your own judgement.
Just think about what a baby chick would experience with it's hen mom. Bugs, grass, dirt, seeds. You can give chicks those things that would be naturally occurring. Just be wise and don't give things that may be temping and too big, causing choking! And be sure the main diet is the baby chick food as it contains what they need to grow and thrive!This is a great idea! I've been wanting to give them treats--actually bought some dried mealworms--but have heard people discouraging giving "treats" while they are in their first few weeks. But I have no doubt they would be thrilled to have something new to inspect in their box....so thanks for sharing that idea!
