- Feb 19, 2013
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I have 5 girls who are about 6 months old...we love them so much that we want a few more. Our original plan was the have 8, and our coop and run is set up for 8 birds. Our local farm store usually has one last batch of day-old chicks at the beginning of August. I have a mixed flock, all different birds (Barred Rock, Brahma, Sex-link, Speckled Sussex, and wyandotte). The weather here is very warm in August (90ish) and stays in the high 80s until the end of September, cooling off a little in October but it's not really cold (40-50) until Halloween. I'm thinking if I get chicks they can probably be outside somewhere because it's warm, right? And can they handle the cold weather at such a young age? It doesn't generally freeze here until December.
How does it work, to bring new chicks into a flock? We have a small area of the run that we can close up to hold the chicks, but I don't have another coop or indoor option. Could the chicks live in a brooder box outdoors until they are 6 weeks? At what age to you introduce them? I would love to be able to keep them outside as the chick dust was pretty nasty in the house.
I have thought about adding more pullets, there are plenty for sale on CL and honestly it sounds like much less hassle than raising chicks again (the novelty quickly wore off for me, chicks are high maintenance!). But I'm afraid of bringing something to my flock, like mites or worms or some other illness. I really trust our local farm store and they have very healthy birds from a reputable hatchery. I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions! Thank you!
How does it work, to bring new chicks into a flock? We have a small area of the run that we can close up to hold the chicks, but I don't have another coop or indoor option. Could the chicks live in a brooder box outdoors until they are 6 weeks? At what age to you introduce them? I would love to be able to keep them outside as the chick dust was pretty nasty in the house.
I have thought about adding more pullets, there are plenty for sale on CL and honestly it sounds like much less hassle than raising chicks again (the novelty quickly wore off for me, chicks are high maintenance!). But I'm afraid of bringing something to my flock, like mites or worms or some other illness. I really trust our local farm store and they have very healthy birds from a reputable hatchery. I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions! Thank you!