hilda-and-evadne Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 My three chicks now have feathers everywhere except on their heads which are still completely down-covered. Somewhere I read that chicks can be outside in the daytime from the age of four weeks. Is that what people here do with their chicks? I have set up a puppy cage (with its base) in the garden and am going to wrap a length of weldmesh around and over it to make it harder - impossible, I hope - for a fox to pull a chick through the bars. At what age do people here let their chicks spend the night outside, in an eglu with the roosting bars removed? Thanks v. much in advance for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 Bit young - my last 3 are nearly 6 weeks and just started going out in the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tweety Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 Mine didn't go outside all the time until they were 7 weeks old. I would hang on for a couple of weeks tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilda-and-evadne Posted September 11, 2011 Author Share Posted September 11, 2011 Bit young - my last 3 are nearly 6 weeks and just started going out in the day. Mine didn't go outside all the time until they were 7 weeks old. I would hang on for a couple of weeks tbh. Ah, OK. Thank you very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 What breed are they, and bantam/LF? I have some 4 wk olds pekins under a broody who are in the Go and so out at night and have been since hatch, although they were in the greenhouse for the first 2 weeks. Also have 7 and 9 wk old pekins in the classic, on their own without heat or a broody and they are fine. In the summer I think they'd be fine but with the weather as cold + wet as it is, they may need a couple weeks more under heat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilda-and-evadne Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 What breed are they, and bantam/LF? All three are Rhode Island Red. They spend most of the day on top of the brooder in the cardboard box in the sitting room that has been their home since they came out of the incubator. I haven't tried to put them under my Light Sussex because, although she tends to broodiness, I don't know how reliable she is. I am wondering if they might be getting bored. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 Mine where four weeks last Tuesday, I put them out for 20mins Saturday then an hour yesterday,They have spent today in the conservatory but back in the brooder tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
