Becoming a little older, larger, and getting more freedom, that's what weeks 3 and 4 were about.
The older chicks continued to snuggle with Mom as much as possible, though they also became more curious about the outside world. During week 4, we opened up the chick fencing so that they could roam wherever and whenever they felt the need, but we kept the opening small enough that only they could fit back through for non-adult R&R. Much running ensued.
The youngest chicks in the holding cell become bigger, more active, and very into sunshine. The injured chick recovered nicely, and after we returned her to General Population, we turned her box into a space to sleep in and jump upon.
Notice that the same box from last week looks substantially smaller next to the growing chicks!
The chick on top of the box stood in the sun for a quite a while.
During week 4, we moved the youngest chicks outside, in their own fenced space to prevent Mom from pecking at them. Since they didn't get Mom warmth, we gave them a warming light. They did quite well in their own outside space, getting big and developed enough to begin blending in with the older chicks. In week 5, we let all the chicks mix!
