Chicken Newbie

[JenniferP5970]

Hello, My name is Jennifer.

I live in Hampton, Virginia. I am brand new to raising chickens so I am looking for any advice anyone wants to give me. I am picking up 2-3 five week old Easter Eggers tomorrow. I am so excited! I have an area set up for them in my house for the moment while I get everything outside ready for them.

I do have a few questions. How are other chicken raisers in my area raising their chickens? Are there any special accommodations that they are making for them? Also, at what age should they be moved outside?

Thank you for any assistance that is given.

 

[gander007]

Happy New Year and

good to see you finally found the time to join us at BYC

Move them out by 4 to six week of age at 4 weeks take them out to get use to the cooler temp and by 6 weeks they stay and when you bring them in keep at room temp to help the feather growth

gander007

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello Welcome To BYC and Happy Holidays! you might want to post on your state thread for advice from people in your area on what works for them. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/80/virginia check out the BYC Learning Center articles on raising chicks. Generally chicks are mostly feathered by 6-8 weeks and are fine outside in a coop in most areas.

 

[TwoCrows]

to BYC!

You can start to acclimate them right now by taking them outside briefly each day for a "field trip" but keep an eye on them that they stay safe and never leave them unattended at a young age. Keep lowering your heat in the brooder each week until you have them down to room temp at about 6 weeks. This time of year it is advised to take the heat lamp out with them for a few weeks and only turned on at night. Not so much heat that they can get too warm, but just enough that if they feel chilled, they can warm up a bit. After a few weeks you can turn the light off.

Great to have you aboard and enjoy BYC!

 

[sourland]

Hello

Welcome To BYC and Happy Holidays! you might want to post on your state thread for advice from people in your area on what works for them. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/80/virginia check out the BYC Learning Center articles on raising chicks. Generally chicks are mostly feathered by 6-8 weeks and are fine outside in a coop in most areas.

Great place to start - welcome to BYC.

 

[drumstick diva]

Day old chicks generally start in a brooder with lamp holding around 95 degree temp, Each week lower it by 5%. When chicks are fully feathered out they can go outside ( barring horrific weather spells).