When Can I let my babies free range??

[ChickenWendy]

Yes it's actually working well. I was concerned with him being a bully but he's very sweet & gentle.

 

[JenniferJoIN]

I put my chicks outside when they were 4 weeks old. At first they had no interest in going outside, but gradually they learned that there's 'treats' (Grass!) out there. They would go in automatically at night when it got dark. I also had a back-up plan and got them to answer to 'here chick chick' by feeding them bread inside the coop and repeating that. So even if I want to get them inside before dark, I just say that and they all come running to see what I have.


Goodluck and let us know how it goes!!

 

[speckledhen]

If you have a warmer day, say in the upper 50's and sunny, sure, I would let an 7 or 8 week old outside on a pen, just not loose to freerange. And limit the time outside, watching that they aren't out at the end of the day as the air temps start cooling too much. Im just very cautious with the youngsters; now, if a broody is caring for them, they get out more because when they become cold, they let their mother know and get under her wings for warmth.

 

[Roast]

This has all made for interesting reading. My 2 chicks are only a week old, and the older one is developing really fast. His (as I'm sure it's a rooster!) wing feathers are all out and spreading - He's half fluff and half feather! He is very active, and it occured to me that letting him outside under wire, might be good for him. The sun, the bugs! But then my other little chick isn't so far along in her (LOL, yep I reckon it's a hen!) development. I did read through google-ing hand rearing chicks, that the 6 week period seems to be the time frame given for letting them 'free' as it were. But in here some of you have done it earlier! I guess a little gut instinct is needed. If the weather is hottish, and they have a supply of water - then they should be ok!? I actually do intend to wait until the feathers are nearly all there!