Coyox
Chirping
Hey guys!
Well-- I thought I would be walking away with ducks yesterday. But after nearly crying at how much I wanted to raise chickens, I ended up take home 3 unsexed bantams, 2 unsexed buff orpingtons, and 1 sweet little isa brown pullet. Needless to say, my chore list just doubled. I have always wanted to make sure I have THE PERFECT HOME EVER before I went and purchased these beloved little babies, but instead I dove in head first--- and I am so happy I did. Can't wait to build a nice huge coop this week, and I have so many plans now-- but first--- I have some little babies to deal with! I know only what I've spent years reading in books--- But as I've found out very quickly, textbook knowledge is sometimes weak!
I have some questions for the experts! (YOU GUYS!) Here we go...
1. I only bought one brooder! I was sure I wouldn't break down and get them chickens-- I am such a happy fool. So far though, the ducks seem to be getting along okay with the chickens. The smallest are of course the bantams--- I worry the most about them. They seem just fine right now though! They even boss the ducks around a bit. Should they be alright together until they start growing? Will anyone curse me for keeping them together? Any insight on this would be great!
2. I am trying to find methods to really bond with them so they don't run from me when they grow up. I want to make sure culling with both is an easy, fast, and stressless task (for me, and the animal)... I talk to them alot when I feed them, and sometimes just put my hand in the cage without trying to pick them up. However, they still seemed VERY spooked because of the Tractor Supply I bought them from. Do you all have any tips for befriending your babies? I want to make sure I don't bother them too much--- but I also am concerned about socializing them.
3. I heard that pullets scratch at food more when they are young. Is this true? I'm having so much fun trying to decide what sex the chicks are.
Thanks so much guys!
Well-- I thought I would be walking away with ducks yesterday. But after nearly crying at how much I wanted to raise chickens, I ended up take home 3 unsexed bantams, 2 unsexed buff orpingtons, and 1 sweet little isa brown pullet. Needless to say, my chore list just doubled. I have always wanted to make sure I have THE PERFECT HOME EVER before I went and purchased these beloved little babies, but instead I dove in head first--- and I am so happy I did. Can't wait to build a nice huge coop this week, and I have so many plans now-- but first--- I have some little babies to deal with! I know only what I've spent years reading in books--- But as I've found out very quickly, textbook knowledge is sometimes weak!
I have some questions for the experts! (YOU GUYS!) Here we go...
1. I only bought one brooder! I was sure I wouldn't break down and get them chickens-- I am such a happy fool. So far though, the ducks seem to be getting along okay with the chickens. The smallest are of course the bantams--- I worry the most about them. They seem just fine right now though! They even boss the ducks around a bit. Should they be alright together until they start growing? Will anyone curse me for keeping them together? Any insight on this would be great!
2. I am trying to find methods to really bond with them so they don't run from me when they grow up. I want to make sure culling with both is an easy, fast, and stressless task (for me, and the animal)... I talk to them alot when I feed them, and sometimes just put my hand in the cage without trying to pick them up. However, they still seemed VERY spooked because of the Tractor Supply I bought them from. Do you all have any tips for befriending your babies? I want to make sure I don't bother them too much--- but I also am concerned about socializing them.
3. I heard that pullets scratch at food more when they are young. Is this true? I'm having so much fun trying to decide what sex the chicks are.
Thanks so much guys!
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