Our new chicks recently enjoyed their first day freely exploring the main aviary. The bigger hens were out foraging in the backyard during this time. At eight weeks old, they are almost half the size of the adult hens and still eating medicated chick feed, which is much higher in protein and contains medication to protect against parasites.
It took them a bit to leave the enclosed run area, but once they did it seemed like they enjoyed the exploration time! Our bigger hens watched through the fencing and I eventually let them in one by one to meet the chicks under my direct supervision.
It took them a bit to leave the enclosed run area, but once they did it seemed like they enjoyed the exploration time! Our bigger hens watched through the fencing and I eventually let them in one by one to meet the chicks under my direct supervision.