Need advice....I have two nearly 5 week old girls that I think are ready to move outside. They are pretty well feathered and the weather for the next week should be in the 70's and 80's. I'm planning on putting them in a cage in the yard so the other free rangers can check them out for a few days and at night moing the cage to the run for some extra security. I'll lock the big girls up in the coop at night as usual. The coop isn't big enough for the cage too. Sound like a plan? How long to do this before letting them go to the coop at night? There is still quite a size difference between the 5 weekers and one year olds...
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Keeping your younger chicks in a separate cage like you're doing is a wise idea. You are right, there is a notable size difference between the ages! I have eight nearly three month olds that I let out to roam the chicken yard while the four older hens and rooster are out free-ranging. Both flocks are able to see each other, yet the youngsters have the added security of the chickenwire fencing to keep them from any harm. So far, there have just been staring contests (and clucking behind wings to each other) but no attempts by the big girls to peck.
the older girls got really mean today to the smallest lavender Orpington and I had to break it up and put the big girls away for a moment. I felt so bad! I hate hearing the babies scream in terror as they are looked at by the big girls, let alone chased and feathers grabbed. There are lots of places to jump up and escape but they seem to just run themselves into a corner. They are sleeping at night in a crate in my shed. it's fine for now but a lot of work each day honestly! any advice? feeling discouraged today.
