A few basic questions. Please take your time to read this.

[Barbeque]

I have asked these, I'm sorry if this is wrong of me. I have yet to get an answer, and the health of my chicks are of utmost importance to me.
I'm running out of medicated starter feed, my chicks are 3 weeks old, what next? I don't know the sex.
Is it okay to take a bird outside for a few minutes in 65 degree weather?
Is my chick chasing me outside because it loves me, or it's cold?

 

[Why and Dotte]

I don't know what you're using but my feed is starter/grower and can be used until laying age, usually the bag will say what to use or how long to use your feed. My feed is also medicated, it won't hurt them to eat it if it's supposed to be grower feed as well.
As for taking your 3 wk olds outside, it wouldn't hurt if it isn't breezy and they're able to sunbathe, you'll know if they're cold (huddling, shivering just looking uncomfortable). IMO mama takes them out at that age, BUT she has knows when to take them in.
Last question, I don't know, I have a certain chick that follows me all the time when it's hot or chilly.

Hope I answered your questions!

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Keep them on the medicated feed until they're at point of lay....which is several months down the road.

At 3 weeks they should have quite a bit of feathering and would be ok outside. Mine are outdside by that age most of the time, but they have a heat lamp to warm up under.

Chickens aren't human and don't have human emotions.....they know you are their food source....they aren't capable of love.

 

[Barbeque]

BBQ, my BR, seemed quite happy outside, following me around.
But I REALLY don't want ANYTHING to hurt my baby, ever!!
I just know the exercise we are both getting is very VERY healthy!

 

[Barbeque]

Quote:
Keep them on the medicated feed until they're at point of lay....which is several months down the road.

At 3 weeks they should have quite a bit of feathering and would be ok outside. Mine are outdside by that age most of the time, but they have a heat lamp to warm up under.

Chickens aren't human and don't have human emotions.....they know you are their food source....they aren't capable of love.

But do they, in a sense, trust me? Know I emit heat, and give food and fresh water?

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
Keep them on the medicated feed until they're at point of lay....which is several months down the road.

At 3 weeks they should have quite a bit of feathering and would be ok outside. Mine are outdside by that age most of the time, but they have a heat lamp to warm up under.

Chickens aren't human and don't have human emotions.....they know you are their food source....they aren't capable of love.

But do they, in a sense, trust me? Know I emit heat, and give food and fresh water?

They trust you but to only a certain point because they look at you as the care giver you give food,water, treats and shelter that is as far as it goes they are not like a dog you can't train them to fetch or sit at your side like you could a dog the only way they will sit at your side is if you have treats in your hands for them.

 

[goldnchocolate]

I watch my mama hen and her 3 week old chicks. They follow her wherever she goes and if they fall behind she has a certain cluck that she uses to get their attention. I guess you would call it "imprinting" and if your chicks have imprinted on you they will follow you around same as they would for the mother hen.

My mama hen had her chicks out at 1-1/2 weeks old and it was a cool and blustery day here in Massachusetts but I know that she would have let them get under her to get warm if needed so if you bring them outside just watch their body language so you'll know when it's time to get them back under the heat lamp.

I feed medicated chick starter for approx 6 weeks and then I gradually switch over to the grower feed.

 

[theFox]

Your chickens should be on medicated starter for no more than 8 weeks less if they are meat birds.

Then you put them on a layer grower for layers or earlier on a grower if meat birds .

If you continually bombard them with the medicated starter you aren't allowing them to develop immunity to their most common parasite, this will not bode well down the road requiring the use of chemicals while they are laying that will force you to not use the eggs.

Your chicks can go out at three weeks provided the temperature is correct for them, momma hen is the temperature regulator for her chicks and will call them if she thinks they need warming up and also acts as a shelter if they feel threatened. The proper temperature in the brooder for three week olds is 85 degrees Fahrenheit if your chicks are in their third week or 80 degrees Fahrenheit if they are in their fourth week of life.

Anytime you need information like that it is best to state where you are raising the chicks as that will tell people about the normal temperatures where the chicks are. Those chicks would likely die in my corner of the country today.

Your chicken that follows you around is imprinted on you because you have handled it a lot or it has noticed that you always provide it its food and water, or that you at least have never appeared menacing to it. Note all of these actions are linked to survival instincts and not emotions.

ETC: Temperatures.

 

[Barbeque]

Oh.
Well, okay.
I'm fine with that.
Another question, what if I want to sell baby chicks later on, or fertilized eggs?
How can I do that? Do I need a license?
If so, how can I/my parents get one?

 

[trilyn]

Quote:
You'd do well to heed this advice!