4 week old chickens

[KatTargaryen]

Hi! I really don’t know if this is the right forum to post in; since the chickens I’m about to talk about aren’t exactly chicks. Anyway, I just got two new chickens today about 4 weeks old. My sweet Silver-laced Cochin hen died of a raccoon attack a week ago, and my poor Dandelion(unsure of breed) was left by herself. She’s been a little depressed. So, like I said, I got two new chickens, so Dandelion won’t be lonely. I just need some general information on them. I’ve honestly never raised chickens this young before. I’ve only gotten them as adults. Im thinking of using Purina All-Flock for them because I’m using that for my ducklings right now. I’m not really sure what else they need... like do they need certain vitamins like ducklings do? Just general info like that would be helpful. Thank you. Oh, and they are both hens.

 

[WildCHILD400]

Hi congratulations chicks are pretty good about caring for them selves. They just need access to fresh, clean water daily and food. The food you have should be fine. If you read the back or the bags some say how long to keep them on the food. Its about 11-18 weeks on chick food before switching them to adult feed. They dont really need any vitamins unless they are sick. If you really wanted you can put probiotics in their water but its not a necessity. They do just fine in a bin with shavings and a heat lamp but I recommend a clear bin so they can get used to their surroundings and a bin instead of a crate because it keeps some heat in. Good luck and post if you ever have more questions

 

[KatTargaryen]

@WildCHILD400

Thanks so much for the helpful information!! Do they still need a heat lamp at 4 weeks?? Also, do they have feathers yet at 4 weeks? Because if they don’t, then the lady we bought them from gave us incorrect information on their age.

 

[Essentiallyokanaganmom]

@WildCHILD400

Thanks so much for the helpful information!! Do they still need a heat lamp at 4 weeks?? Also, do they have feathers yet at 4 weeks? Because if they don’t, then the lady we bought them from gave us incorrect information on their age.

We have 4 different breeds, I'd say 3/4 were 80% feathered by then, and one was maybe 50% feathered, by 5 weeks they were all mostly feathered and we put them outside.

 

[KatTargaryen]

We have 4 different breeds, I'd say 3/4 were 80% feathered by then, and one was maybe 50% feathered, by 5 weeks they were all mostly feathered and we put them outside.

Alright thanks for the info! I just put them outside.