Starting a new flock with chicks

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herseynewbie

herseynewbie

In the Brooder
May 12, 2015
4
1
11
luther, michigan
Luther, Michigan

I want to start a flock of chickens.I've got a decent size coop and want to start with around 15. Can I just buy 15 chicks from the local feed store or will I need a couple of adults?
 
Last edited:
Firstly, I'd suggest making sure that your coop has the capacity to comfortably house the number of chickens you are planning on getting, i.e. minimum 4sqft per bird, and 1ft roost space per bird. The more space the birds have, the less likely that you will run into behavioural problems - particularly during winter where the birds may be in the coop for extended periods of time.

It's preferable to begin with birds of the same age, so no - getting a couple of adults would not be necessary.

Before you get your chicks, ensure that you are prepared for them. This link is useful - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-your-baby-chicks

Good luck
 
CTKen said:
Firstly, I'd suggest making sure that your coop has the capacity to comfortably house the number of chickens you are planning on getting, i.e. minimum 4sqft per bird, and 1ft roost space per bird. The more space the birds have, the less likely that you will run into behavioural problems - particularly during winter where the birds may be in the coop for extended periods of time. 

It's preferable to begin with birds of the same age, so no - getting a couple of adults would not be necessary.

Before you get your chicks, ensure that you are prepared for them. This link is useful - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-your-baby-chicks

Good luck
Click to expand...

I have a 4×6 fully enclosed sturdy built, insulated coop which exits into a fully fenced in 50'×50' goat pen(3 small fainting goats). I'm just wondering if starting with all chicks would be best or to have a couple of adults for guidance and protection.
 
Adult birds will not protect chicks, nor provide "guidance" - only a mother hen will do that.

Your coop is far too small for 15 birds - 6 would be considered a maximum. The run space, whilst large, is not necessarily relevant during periods of inclement weather (unless it is covered). If you do a search on feather pecking, you will see an increased number of threads on the subject recently - the main reason being that the birds confine themselves to the coop during bad winter weather.

It would help, not only with this question, but also in the future, if you can include your general location under your avatar, so members can advise more accurately.
 
u can get chick at feed store but u need room like a lot babies get big so they pick on each other if no room get jus a few to start u will like them
 

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