Age of (Some) Independance

[sierranomad]

I know that you shouldn't leave baby chicks for few days, but that it's OK when they are older...as long as you give them plenty of food and water to last them, and have someone come by and check on them daily. But what is the "magical age" that this can be done? In other words, when are they past the point of needing multi-daily checks?

 

[LoveThemBirds]

8 months of age.My hens have become more independent now that they will be two years.

 

[sierranomad]

Thanks for your reply, LoveThemBirds, but I find it hard to believe that chickens need constant attention for 8 months.

When I was a little boy we took one of our hens' abandoned eggs in and raised it. I don't remember how old it was when it didn't need our mulit-daily checks, but I do know that it wasn't 8 months. I would guess at 3 or 4 weeks. But again, I don't remember for sure.

The reason I need to know is that my wife and I are going away for the weekend in 3 1/2 weeks. If they can't get along without constant care at that age, then I will have to wait until we get back to get my chicks.

 

[LoveThemBirds]

Not constant attention,should have put that.

Most birds are mostly matured at this age.

 

[LoveThemBirds]

How big is the cage?1

 

[sierranomad]

My coop is a two-storied 3' x 4', the run is 15' x 20' and I will have 3 birds.

I don't want to get off topic though. So when you say that "most birds are matured at that age" what age are you reffering to? The 3 or 4 weeks I mentioned?

 

[LoveThemBirds]

I am referring to 8 months.It's full maturity.
I think your chicks will be fine.

 

[sierranomad]

That is great, thank you.