6 week old Orfingtons

[Moby75165]

Howdy folks,
I have six week old Buff Orpington’s
(Spelling may not be correct)

First time with baby chickens, or any chickens for that matter, and I’m surprised how fast they grow.

I stuck a couple blades of grass through the screen and they all went crazy for it.

My question is can chicks that age eat grass I would assume so but thought I’d ask

Thanks in advance,
Moby

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Chickens do grow fast, and Orphingtons are big birds!
They should be out in their coop and run, with grit offered, eating their crumble, and the grass, bugs, and weeds they find on the ground. Having fun!
Mary

 

[Kdlevesque]

I have 4 Orpingtons and they are so much fun. They do grow large very quickly so enjoy those little babies. Very friendly breed!

 

[Moby75165]

Thx’s.
Looking forward to learning more

Moby

 

[Moby75165]

Welcome!
Chickens do grow fast, and Orphingtons are big birds!
They should be out in their coop and run, with grit offered, eating their crumble, and the grass, bugs, and weeds they find on the ground. Having fun!
Mary

Hi Mary they’re only six weeks old at this point I’m kind of afraid to let him out something might eat them.

I’ll be building an enclosed row and I can move around the yard 10 x 12 add a PVC pipe to keep them safe.

I was thinking of waiting until there about 12 weeks. What are your thoughts on that

 

[Folly's place]

Having a coop and run that are as predator proof as possible will be best. There's lots of good advice on this site, and many sad stories when things go wrong.
They are plenty old enough to be out, supervised, and of course everyone does like to eat chicken, so be careful!
Mary

 

[Moby75165]

Having a coop and run that are as predator proof as possible will be best. There's lots of good advice on this site, and many sad stories when things go wrong.
They are plenty old enough to be out, supervised, and of course everyone does like to eat chicken, so be careful!
Mary

Thx will be careful

Moby

 

[rosemarythyme]

I was thinking of waiting until there about 12 weeks. What are your thoughts on that

12 weeks is pretty close to adult size and would need space large enough to suit adults. Not sure how large the area you're brooding them is, but you definitely don't want to be so protective of them that they can't stretch their wings and learn to be chickens.

I personally would not have chicks in a brooder past maybe 6 weeks. My last batch was raised outdoors and started leaving the brooder at 3 weeks and moved into the coop by 6 weeks.

 

[Moby75165]

Hi Rosemary,

To be honest I know little about chickens and had then in a box for one day.
Then to the coop. They seem to be pretty happy.
Definitely will be working on a run I can move around the backyard asap.
I'm going to build a cage out of PVC Pipe 12X10X3 with water and food/grit troughs 50% covered by shading.

Thanks for the input.
Moby