When is it okay for chicks to go on outside outings?

[the lemon tree]

How early can I take my chicks out so they can romp around in the grass and forage? They won't be out there very long, maybe like 30 minutes. I have one week olds...too early?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

just depends on the weather and the supervision. i start taking mine out at 1 week for a few minutes at a time, I do my best to immitate what a momma hen would do.

 

[TXmom]

I agree...they are old enough to go out for a little while as long as they don't get too cold (not a problem here...LOL). Just watch them carefully.

 

[Mrs.Puff]

A good thing to do is put them out in a pen that is covered on top, but open on bottom. Like an upside-down playpen. Then they can scratch around without them running all over the place.

 

[photo chick]

I have one week old chicks too. I think I'm going to try it today.

 

[the lemon tree]

Quote:
Me too!

 

[TXmom]

Here's a pic of mine...I used to take them out to the coop while we were still building it. I started out with very short outings, then increased the amount of time they stayed outside, depending on the weather.

 

[jamz]

I put mine out for "field trips" starting at a week, they loved it. I think now at 3 weeks they would stay outside full time if I had a place for them to go.