Arizona Chickens

[Fuzzybird]

Quote: Ducks! Talk about a stinky mess. That will really make DW happy! I am told that geese are cleaner tho. Turkey's are great!

 

[Novaleigh]

I need to somehow tell Dark Phoenix that sitting in a nest is not the same as laying an egg.

 

[LMS]

Another newbie question... I read somewhere that the recommendation for our warm climate is to get started with chicks in September so it's after the height of the heat wave and they'll have their feathers before winter sets in.... If I do it this way (as opposed to my original plan of starting with pullets) will the chicks still need to be inside with an incubator/brooder/etc or will they be okay out in the (not yet existent) coop? The plan to start with pullets is based solely on the lack of (hubby's) desire to have the chicks in the house, which probably wouldn't work well anyway with our dog, who is not chicken safe and is also very tall.... And on my desire to not have to buy/build/deal with all that equipment, since we won't be hatching our own flock anytime soon.

And can any Tucson locals recommend a good source for either chicks or pullets? I keep reading that feed stores are NOT the way to go, but where else would I acquire ONLY A FEW, NOT 25 chickens!?

 

[Mikey D]

Another newbie question... I read somewhere that the recommendation for our warm climate is to get started with chicks in September so it's after the height of the heat wave and they'll have their feathers before winter sets in.... If I do it this way (as opposed to my original plan of starting with pullets) will the chicks still need to be inside with an incubator/brooder/etc or will they be okay out in the (not yet existent) coop? The plan to start with pullets is based solely on the lack of (hubby's) desire to have the chicks in the house, which probably wouldn't work well anyway with our dog, who is not chicken safe and is also very tall.... And on my desire to not have to buy/build/deal with all that equipment, since we won't be hatching our own flock anytime soon.

And can any Tucson locals recommend a good source for either chicks or pullets? I keep reading that feed stores are NOT the way to go, but where else would I acquire ONLY A FEW, NOT 25 chickens!?

The chicks need 95 for their first week and 5 degrees less per week until you reach ambient temp.

3 -4 weeks in a rubbermaid tote in the bathtub is not at all bad and it'll go quickly (assuming yo have an extra bath tub ;-) )

 

[LMS]

Mikey D, I may be a noob, but how did I know that you'd not only be the first to answer my question (helpfully, as always) but also that you'd be encouraging the chick route instead of jumping right to pullets!

Sadly, I do not have an extra bath tub.

 

[SherrieT]

Contact a BYC member who has the breeds you are interested

Another newbie question... I read somewhere that the recommendation for our warm climate is to get started with chicks in September so it's after the height of the heat wave and they'll have their feathers before winter sets in.... If I do it this way (as opposed to my original plan of starting with pullets) will the chicks still need to be inside with an incubator/brooder/etc or will they be okay out in the (not yet existent) coop? The plan to start with pullets is based solely on the lack of (hubby's) desire to have the chicks in the house, which probably wouldn't work well anyway with our dog, who is not chicken safe and is also very tall.... And on my desire to not have to buy/build/deal with all that equipment, since we won't be hatching our own flock anytime soon.

And can any Tucson locals recommend a good source for either chicks or pullets? I keep reading that feed stores are NOT the way to go, but where else would I acquire ONLY A FEW, NOT 25 chickens!?

 

[Mikey D]

Mikey D, I may be a noob, but how did I know that you'd not only be the first to answer my question (helpfully, as always) but also that you'd be encouraging the chick route instead of jumping right to pullets!

Sadly, I do not have an extra bath tub.

Probably because i have no life...

We are remodeling the kitchen and I'll take a break and set down and check up on you's guys.

I'm a big fan of the chick route as when you raise them from a "pup" they are "yours"

I've limited experience with chickens but much with other animals & when you have them from the get-go & hand raise them like a pet, they are more likely to be tamer and more fond of being handled.

(Is "tamer" a word? More tame? - grammar police please chime in...)

Plus you never know what you are getting with someone elses pullets.

"I've got a great deal on some 5-1/2 year old hens!"

*** Edit ***

And you don't need to put the tote in the bath tub - it's just where mine wound up...

 

[Mikey D]

Quote: Ducks! Talk about a stinky mess. That will really make DW happy! I am told that geese are cleaner tho. Turkey's are great!

This is gonna be good!

 

[Mahonri]

I've lost my tool bar. I hate that.


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Anyone have any newly hatched chicks. I have one broody I can't break and I think the only thing that will save her is chicks... no more than 2 or 3 mind you.

I just send AZKat a PM as I have 4 more roos to dispose of.

 

[Mahonri]

I've lost my tool bar. I hate that.


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Anyone have any newly hatched chicks. I have one broody I can't break and I think the only thing that will save her is chicks... no more than 2 or 3 mind you.

I just send AZKat a PM as I have 4 more roos to dispose of.