Author Topic: Can chicks to go outside with Mum? (Read 1287 times)

bumpkins · « **on:** June 14, 2014, 07:51:39 am »

Hi everyone
I have two 13 day old chicks and one at 10 days old (the first two were born prematurely) currently in our conservatory with their very dedicated Mum. They are all very tiny for their age but seem healthy, happy and busy!
Can they be moved outside to a little broody house and run with their Mum? We're in Caithness so we're not terribly warm, but certainly not cold either. Will Mum keep them warm enough? They have all been popped outside sometimes whilst I have cleaned them out. However, although they seem happy inside in the little makeshift home and run that we made them, enough is enough now and I would really like to see them progress to the great outdoors. What would you do?
Thank you all xx

bloomer · « **Reply #1 on:** June 14, 2014, 08:06:55 am »

if they are going in a broody run so protected from aerial predators mum will keep them perfectly warm.

FiB · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2014, 08:31:59 am »

Definately.... My broody has been out all the time and hars managed to keep 17 warm and safe, with some free ranging from about 2 weeks, building up to total free ranging now. They are just about feathered now and she has pretty much abandoned now :-)

in the hills · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2014, 08:59:27 am »

Definitely fine right from the beginning if with mum. Mum and chicks will know exactly what to do.

Only need to make sure they are secure from all predators ..... aerial and rats etc. Hot and sunny here already so just moved my little hen families into shade too. Good if the run has some cover from rain.

They'll love it.

bumpkins · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2014, 11:25:40 am »

Thank you everyone - yes, you're right....they do love it! Put them out there just a short while ago and all is well.
The run is totally enclosed and we've put a rain cover over half of it. Brilliant