<<red-tail hawks are only interested in young hens, so we don't let newbies free range until they are a decent size. >>
That reminded me of a question I'd been thinking about. Obviously since my 20 chicks are only a week old, they're nowhere near ready to go outside... But what's the best time and method for that?
I know they are not supposed to go out until mostly feathered... About how old would that be? (I'm actually amazed at how fast they have already feathered in a week--definitely the wings, which they are trying out, and some comical little tail feathers!)
Should I fence a small yard first until they learn to return at night? (Although they do already seem to have learned that "chick, chick!" means I have something they like--they come hustling right over to me, so hopefully that will still be the case once they go outside.) Or should I just go ahead and let them out when the time comes, and figure they'll return at dusk or when called?
Also--at what age will they begin to roost? (I've got the pieces ready, but was waiting to put the roosts up until closer to being needed.)
Rhonda
Sidesaddle Hall of Famer
Five-time US National Sidesaddle Champion
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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