a little guidence please

[szy.cpr]

hi, i have just got some chicks from my daughters school that needed a good home, we have a good general idea of how to take care of them and they all seem to be doing just fine, but i just need a little guidence on how to keep them healthy and happy, they r only just over a week old,in a brooder with a lamp to keep them warm.how long before i can but them outside,lay eggs ect, your advice would be appriciated greatly. many thanks szy.cpr

 

[SeaChick]

There's some basic information on this site to get you started: https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-howto.html

But there are also some excellent books out there. Don't know if your libraries in England would have them, but try Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Guide...0838866?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1180178728&sr=1-1 and Keep Chickens http://www.amazon.com/Chickens-Tending-Flocks-Cities-Suburbs/dp/1580174914

 

[szy.cpr]

thanks for the info, im a complete novice,i think 4 of the chicks ive got are cockoo polish,and ive got 1 black silky but ive no idea what the other one is, are these good layers.thanks

 

[Hotwings]

Polish birds are usually high maintenence birds, the April/May Backyard poultry mag has a good article on them. They are not a real good layer and they aren't broody birds. Polish chickens have a crest of feathers on their heads which can impair vision is not clipped. They make good pet chickens tho. Silkies are excellent birds. I don't know about egg production but they are excellent brooders(by that I mean they are naturally setting birds). Alot of breeds of chickens have the broodiness bred out of them. Silkies make good pet chickens also. For eggs I would suggest leghorns, barred rocks and Buff Orpingtons. Storeys guide to chicken raising is the bible for all us chiken lovers. Most libraries carry it but I would buy it. You can find it at Tractor Supply.

 

[szy.cpr]

ive only had my chicks for 2 days now, but im already feeling overwhelmed with love for them they r just too cute, everytime i leave the house i worry about them and rush back home, just to find they are fine!! How long could i leave them for......not that i think i will, but just incase!!