New Chicken Mama in CT

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katiedubbs

katiedubbs

Hatching
Jun 20, 2016
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Hi all -
I am new to chickens and to BYC. I have four chicks - one White Leghorn and three Silver Laced Wyandottes. They are 8 weeks old tomorrow, and we have had them since they were about 5 days old.

We have moved them into their outdoor tractor coop and they are have adjusted very well (wish I could say the same for my dog, who can't decide if they are friend or foe). I have a few chicken books, including Storey's, but they don't seem to include everything. Hoping some of the more experienced chick parents can help out.

We are feeding them Purina grower feed that is small enough that they don't need grit. But they are happily eating grass - do I need to give them grit too, or are they getting enough from pecking the ground? Also, how often should we be moving the coop? And when is it ok to start giving them "treats" (like veggie scraps)?

Thanks in advance!
 
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and
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Hey @katiedubbs That is so awesome about your chicks they are definitely growing up! I am so happy you joined our roost at BYC! I would like to welcome you with open arms! Yes this site is very helpful for all chicken related things! Since you are new to chickens I will leave you the link to the most prominent learning area on this site our Learning Center a place with updated articles for old and new chicken raisers! https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center I hope you enjoy BYC and make sure to post pictures of your flock and give us updates on how you are doing here https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/40/family-life-stories-pictures-updates I am happy you were able to follow your dream and get a flock of your own that is so nice! All the best of luck to you and your flock!
Justin
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Hi and welcome to BYC - glad that you have joined us.

Type "dogs and chickens" in the search box and you will see a number of threads on the topic.

As you're birds are outdoors, then they will get the grit that they need from pecking around. I've never used the tractor method, but i would imagine that the more frequently you move it, the less time it will take for the area to recover.

Best wishes
CT
 
Welcome to BYC
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Depending on the size of the run and how much damage they cause to the grass, I'd move it once or twice a week. If they can get to the soil as well, they will get enough roughage and grit from that. Treats, they are plenty old enough for that! Here are some things you can and cannot feed them:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-treat-chart-the-best-treats-for-backyard-chickens

Keep the treats and extras to no more than about 10% of their daily food intake though!
 

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