It’s not so much how many feathers, but what the temperature is. Keep in mind the 5 degree rule. 1st wk 90, 2nd -85, 3rd 80, 4th 75 and 5th 70. If it is very warm out, naked is fine! BUT, they will need shelter from rain, heat of the sun, etc. Also, be vigilant about areas they can escape. Those little chicks can be trixters, sometimes!
They will start to roost anytime you give them something to roost on. My itty bitties will roost on top of their water jar! (makes for poopy water below)
I never let the little babies free range, for several reasons. I have older chickens that will bully them. They don’t really know their home address and telephone number, yet. It takes just a quick moment for a hawk to swoop and grab. They are very vulnerable to predators, especially ones that don’t bother adult chickens. Cats, even.
I am transitioning a flock of Silkies to the outdoors right now. At night, they are in a large rabbit hutch that my dh made and it is very secure. During the day, when I am home, I set up a dog ex-pen and use another for a top. I put water and food out for them and create shade so they can get out of the sun, if they want. THEY LOVE being outside. In fact, imagine if you will, an open door of the hutch and 22 Silkies jumping out, Kamikazee style! They love their grass and chickweed.
I have another small flock of Red Stars and they are in a 8 x 8 shelter with screened sides and several roosts. They are small, but they manage to roost on the top rungs. Since they are in the barnyard, I don’t let them out much. I have too many chickens that would pick on them.
Laura
Laura Roberts
R Half Pint Farm
From:
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 11:24 PM
To:
Subject: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Two questions
<<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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