Emerging Chicks

 It was warm enough today to open the coop's hatch and let the chicks think about coming out into the run. We had put a ramp up inside the coop, so they had learned how to climb up it. But this was the first time they could see what was on the other side of the hatch.

 The chicks did their "chick point of curiosity" pose at every knew sight and sound.

 And the grown hens, safely penned away on the other side, were fruminous that the babies were getting treats and they weren't. Babies were bribed to go up and down the ramp with mealworms, finch food, oatmeal and lettuce.

 Here is the bravest of the chicks, about to set foot on ground for the first time.

Only 10 of the 24 in the flock came outside, the rest may take another day or two to gather up the courage. Everyone is safely shut up tonight and, since it will be in the 30s, their infrared light is back on.