Baby Chickens Big Day Outside

The chicks are about 5 weeks old at this point and they are almost completely feathered out.  They are getting to the point where their brooder box is looking a little small for them.  Since the weather was so nice today I decided that they should have their first introduction to the outside world.  In the begining I will only allow them to be enclosed in the "broody cage".  It has an outer area enclosed by wire mesh where they can run around and scratch at their bedding.  The inside area is more enclosed and has a roof to protect them from the elements.  When they get a little bigger they will be spending all their time out here, but for now they will just get to spend the daylight hours out here.

 

The doorway to the inner box also gives them a place to perch which they don't have in their brooder in the house.

 

Overall the outside box gives them more room to run around and also gives them time to aquaint themselves with the adult chickens from a safe distance since it is inside the chicken run.  Once these chicks are big enough they will have more access to the second pen while still being seperated from the adult chickens.  When they reach their full grown size the pens will be opened to each other  and the chicks will be able to become a part of the bigger flock.  I believe that gradual introductions into the flock are much safer and less stressful for every one involved when they are done right.