Little Chicks Growing Up

The young chicks are now between about 5-8 weeks give or take. We had a false start about 10 days ago with transitioning them to a larger cage within the coop because the youngest silkies escaped the cage, they were just small enough to fit through the bars. They grew a lot in the week and a half and I knew we could move the gang into the larger cage without any escapees. The chicks are also ready to be off heat so the heat plate can be cleaned and put away. I know the general rule is 6 weeks old and the youngest of this batch is 5 weeks but they no longer use the heat plate choosing to snuggle or roost with the slightly older birds so it's just taking up space.

The chicks also said goodbye to their protective netting in the outside run. They kept finding ways to knock it down or get on top of it.

The chicks are getting quite adventurous. They take any chance to escape their little run within the larger adult chicken yard. They are interested in everything and raring to go. Sometimes I put them in a newly grassy area for a change but they don't have as much room there since they have to be in a cage so they won't run off or get into anything they shouldn't.

It wasn't a big job to pack up their slightly smaller cage and move in the largest cage. Although having helpers like Mo and some of the other adult birds did make it all take longer than it needed to!

Finally all chicks were settled in to slightly larger accomodation to keep them safe while getting used to the adult flock that they will soon join.