"Before the coop arrives"

[redmike2018]

I am scheduled to get my chicken coop late summer or early fall. In the mean time can or should I treat the grass/weeds where the coop is to be placed and the 'free range area' also.
Second question is: can I raise the chicks in the hen house, instead of in my basement? The coop is approximately 50' from the house. Will have electricity for heat lamps if needed. Any pros or cons

 

[Cassandra Lana]

How old are your birds now?

 

[briarandwillow]

The chickens will eat it if it's there, or scratch it up. I'd make sure the weeds and plants are nontoxic to chickens and if so I'd yoink em up in coop and run areas. Otherwise, they'll take care of it and the grass and such will provide a space for bugs to live and grow giving them forage.

 

[black_cat]

No need to treat grass or plants aside from checking for toxic ones and making sure that you aren't spraying pesticides, weed killer, etc- you actually want to do the OPPOSITE of treating the grass!
It's totally fine to raise chicks inside! Plan for 2 square feet of brooder per chick.

 

[Brooks_]

Second question is: can I raise the chicks in the hen house, instead of in my basement? The coop is approximately 50' from the house. Will have electricity for heat lamps if needed. Any pros or cons

Is that to say that you have an existing flock already?

 

[3KillerBs]

Don't try to treat the plants and weeds! Those chemicals are much more dangerous to the chickens than almost anything that might be growing in your yard.

The chickens will be DELIGHTED to have the grass and weeds to munch on when they get to their coop.

 

[redmike2018]

How old are your birds now?

Cassandra, they will be day old chicks. I am late getting started. So first the coop then the chicks. I didn't see much different in raising them in the basement or in the coop.

 

[redmike2018]

Is that to say that you have an existing flock already?

BrooksHatlen, no existing flock, they will be day old chicks.

 

[DobieLover]

Cassandra, they will be day old chicks. I am late getting started. So first the coop then the chicks. I didn't see much different in raising them in the basement or in the coop.

There is a big difference!
Raise them in the coop where they will be exposed to natural circadian rhythms and lots of fresh air. Also, ditch the heat lamps. Invest in a brooder plate. MUCH safer, simulates natural heat source better and consumes less electricity.
I would also suggest you make a baby bottle and train the chicks to it on arrival. They keep the bedding dry and the water clean.

 

[Brooks_]

BrooksHatlen, no existing flock, they will be day old chicks.

I see. The coop will be 50' from the house. In that case I'd keep them in the basement for the first few days maybe a week. Make sure they're eating, drinking and pooping. Then move them to the coop. Check for pasty butt for the first two weeks or so.

I say to keep them in at first for your convenience. I think you'll find that you'll want to check on them often. They are just so darn cute.