When to let baby chicks Free Range

[AlaskanGirl]

I have 4 chicks that are 5 weeks old. They were raised in a XL Dog Kennel in the house until last night. For the last week we would carry them out and let the chicks play all day in the closed up run and return to the house at night. Last night we let them sleep with the older chickens in the roost. Got up bright and early, let the big girls out to play and left the babies in the run again, locked up. Before chicks, I would keep the run door open all hours and let the big girls go in and out as they pleased. How long should the baby chicks be contained in the locked up pin before I can open the door and let them out? I have a large wooded yard, and while predators are a concern I am more focused on whether they will come back to the run/coop on their own if I let them out. Any advise? Food and water are in the run.

 

[ChickForLife]

I was looking for this exact thread! I was wondering the same thing! Hope some people have answers!

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

I also want to know this!

 

[ChickForLife]

Does anyone know this?

 

[FortCluck]

Keep them in their home (coop) for about a week. You can then let them go with the older chickens and the should return with the rest when it gets dark. If you have predators be very careful letting them out because those will be the first that they go after. They are easier to catch for a predator than a full grown chicken.

They will follow your full grown chickens and learn everything they have learned as they get older.

 

[ChickForLife]

Keep them in their home (coop) for about a week. You can then let them go with the older chickens and the should return with the rest when it gets dark. If you have predators be very careful letting them out because those will be the first that they go after. They are easier to catch for a predator than a full grown chicken.

They will follow your full grown chickens and learn everything they have learned as they get older.

I don't have full grown chickens now?

 

[ChickForLife]

I had to give them away.

 

[FortCluck]

I don't have full grown chickens now?

I would wait until yours are 12 weeks then if you do not have full grown chickens. The older ones tend to watch out for the younger ones.

 

[momma chickie]

I have 4 chicks that are 5 weeks old. They were raised in a XL Dog Kennel in the house until last night. For the last week we would carry them out and let the chicks play all day in the closed up run and return to the house at night. Last night we let them sleep with the older chickens in the roost. Got up bright and early, let the big girls out to play and left the babies in the run again, locked up. Before chicks, I would keep the run door open all hours and let the big girls go in and out as they pleased. How long should the baby chicks be contained in the locked up pin before I can open the door and let them out? I have a large wooded yard, and while predators are a concern I am more focused on whether they will come back to the run/coop on their own if I let them out. Any advise? Food and water are in the run.

My experience, if they have been roosting with the other birds they will go in on their own at night.