3 brown (1S,2L)

5 week old chicks were put into the chicken coop yesterday. I had built a segregation area that does not allow older hens access, using some 1 inch chicken wire.

About 2 hours after I put the chicks out they had used their new freedom to get in trouble. The chicken yard is fenced with 2x4 inch welded wire. 5 week old chicks can fit through this size fence with some difficulty. 2 chicks were stuck, the other 7 were distressed and harassed by the older hens. Eventually I shepherded all the young chicks back to their area. All were fine in the morning. I may keep them confined to the segregation area for a week, once they're fully acclimated then let them have the run of the yard. By then they should be too big to fit through 2x4 welded wire.