A few general questions about rasing chicks

[AParmer]

To start, if you've not read anything I've posted, I'll do a quick run through of my little flock. Six 4 1/2 week old Black Lorps, Five 2 1/2 week old Welsummers, Five 2 1/2 week old Black Lorps, and Eleven 4 day old Buff Orphingtons. Now on to my questions...

What age is recommended for allowing them to free range in the yard during the day?

What age should I expect to tell the difference between cockrels and pullets? My oldest Lorps and my Buffs were all bought as females, though my 2 1/2 week olds are straight run.

What age should I expect to see eggs?

When should I start introducing my older and younger chicks? The older ones can see each other directly through the fence as they are housed directly beside each other.

I'm quite sure I will have more. Thanks so much in advance to everyone!


4 day old Buffs


2 1/2 week old Welsummers and Black Lorps


4 1/2 week Black Lorps (this picture was actually taken at about 3 weeks)

 

[Chick Charm]

I would keep the 2.5 week olds under some heat still. The 4.5 week olds would love to start free ranging. Risk is a factor. I free range my chickens.

You can begin to tell at about 5 weeks old, maybe longer, the boys from the girls.

Free ranging introduction is nice because the new chicks and run form and hide from the older birds. Any time.

Somewhere about 18-20 weeks you will notice the red combs and squatting and then a week or two later you will see the eggs come shooting out. Just kidding. They tend to lay sporadic at first. It takes a month or so for them to get into a rhythm.

Wish ya the best.

Phil

 

[AParmer]

Thank you so much Phil! One of my 4.5 week olds got out yesterday and found her way right under her raised coop and seemed very content to sit there!! I can't wait to let my sweeties run free for a little while during the day!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

a week or two later you will see the eggs come shooting out. Just kidding.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I let my chicks go out of the coop at 3 weeks of age onto grass. Before that, they just stay out of the coop even when they get cold and can't find their way back in.

I always give them a TINY yard covered with netting so hawks won't pick them up when I start them out on pasture. They can easily go back into the coop through the pop door and back to the heat lamp. They go in and out all day.

However, if you have a difficult to navigate ramp or coop then you might want to wait a bit longer.

They do have a heat lamp available until 6 weeks of age or fully feathered- and LONGER in the wintertime. In the winter I let them have a light for at least a couple of months. They need the warming sessions.