[wildy78]

Ok, now i think i may have jumped the gun a bit.  My chicks and broody have been on the grass in our garden since they were born, so far no problems, up until i moved the pen slightly at the weekend.  The grass on the new area was quite long (about 1 inch).  I have looked in on them all tonight and gone to move the pen / coop again due to the mess they are making and it appears that a few of the chicks have very large crops.  I have massaged them a little to try to aid it a bit and will see what the outcome is tomorrow.

Questions.
1: Should they be allowed on grass yet at 3 weeks old.
2: When should i move them into a larger coop / pen permanantly to grow on  to laying size.
3:Can i give the chicks olive oil to free the crop if necessary.

They all seem happy with the current arragement but the pen and coop is small and i would like to get them all back to the yard where the other chickens are for ease and ready for introducing them.

4:Should i keep them at home on shorter grass for another 3 weeks till mommy is ready to get back with the other girls.

Sorry its so long winded.

[joyfull]

are you sure they have not just crops that are full from eating? Mine go on grass from day one and I have never had crop problems with chicks. See what their crops are like in the morning.

[orchardlady]

I agree with Joyfull. I've always kept chicks and broodies on grass about this length from day one and have never had a problem. Hope all goes well.

Orchardlady

[wildy78]

Thanks both ever so much for the quick replies.  I did think it may just be full crops, they just seemed extremely full.  Two of them stretched out and it looked like they had new heads growing  .

I will check before work tomorrow and report back.

[wildy78]

checked the chicks on several nights now about the same time and mornings and you were both right.  It appears that the chicks can eat a massive amount of food looking at the crops on them.

Thanks again for putting my mind at ease.