Chicks getting older! Some guidance needed.

[SKYLINE]

Hi guys! So the chicks are about to be 5 weeks on in a few days here and there doing great! As of now there's been no sickness or anything. There eating ALOT still on chick starter. They are going outside everyday in there run. I've introduced a little grit and i'm on my last pack of electrolytes in the water. They rarely use the heating pad anymore and they seem to be fully feathered minus the fur on there heads. Anyways to the point i'm a little confused at the next steps so i have a couple things to ask.
1. I purchased some sweet PDZ from TSC and i'm curious on how I add it in to the coop. Right now there using shaved pine for the interior. The coop doesn't smell horrible all the time but it has its days and pine shavings are getting gross after like 2-3 days so I wanted to know should i take out the shavings or go like half and half?
2. I brought a large bag of chick starter when i first got the chicks and actually i think it might last until there 6 weeks or maybe late 5. When that runs out what food do I buy next.. i saw in TSC there was Crumbles, layer pellets and something called scratch. Which one would be best? They are all pullets so i would want to feed them something to help them lay but i don't know if 6 weeks is to early for that.
3. How do I get them back up the steps? they are coming out easily but i have to catch them every time i wanna put them back in a little prematurely because they seems to ignore my calls for the most part while in the run.
4. Should I keep additives in the water. Do I need to buy more or was that just a baby chick thing? I heard that some people keep Apple Cider Vinegar in the water but not sure why.
Sorry for a bunch of questions lol I wanna stay on the right path and not just do my own thing. anyways here's pics!


The pics dont due justice to there size but they are becoming quite large. Its like they change everyday and if i feeder up its gone within hours.

 

[IamRainey]

Usually 6 weeks is the marker for when they're fully feathered and can stay outside. In Louisiana where it's warmer they might be ready for it. You'll have to be the judge. But when you put them outside, confine them to the coop for a week. They'll be happy up there with some food and water and imprint the idea where "home" is.

By the time you open the pop door to the run they'll be ready to go up and down and they'll use the rising and the setting of the sun to indicate where they need to be.

I never bothered with PDZ. If you have shavings I think that's enough but how you deal with poop -- or let them deal with it -- is up to you.

They need to continue with grower feed until they're 18 weeks. Electrolytes are probably no longer necessary but if you feel comfortable with a little raw apple cider vinegar in their water it can't hurt. I think crumbles are easy for chicks to handle if you've got a feeder that keeps the waste down. When they're older you may want to try pellets. It's really more of a preference than a necessity.

You're right! They grow VERY fast. One day you'll be back here wanting to know why they're being so damned stubborn about not letting go of those first eggs!

Enjoy them. They're really lovely, fun animals. ...and -- eventually -- they give us breakfast.

Welcome!

 

[SKYLINE]

Usually 6 weeks is the marker for when they're fully feathered and can stay outside. In Louisiana where it's warmer they might be ready for it. You'll have to be the judge. But when you put them outside, confine them to the coop for a week. They'll be happy up there with some food and water and get the idea where "home" is.

By the time you open the pop door to the run they'll be ready to go up and down and they'll use the rising and the setting of the sun to indicate where they need to be.

I never bothered with PDZ. If you have shavings I think that's enough but how you deal with poop -- or let them deal with it -- is up to you.

They need to continue with grower feed until they're 18 weeks. Electrolytes are probably no longer necessary but if you feel comfortable with a little raw apple cider vinegar in their water it can't hurt. I think crumbles are easy for chicks to handle if you've got a feeder that keeps the waste down.

You're right! They grow VERY fast. One day you'll be back here wanting to know why they're being so stubborn about not letting go of those first eggs!

Enjoy them. They're really lovely fun animals. ...and -- eventually -- they give us breakfast.

Welcome!

See I haven't let them stay out until dark yet but of my work schedule but ill try that my next off day. and I'll get some crumbles soon then. And I'm pretty sure they know where home is by now I hope i had to raise them in the coop outside since day 1 so maybe if i leave them out long enough they will go in on there own. but thanks for the reply. im really enjoying this whole experience.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since it sounds like the chicks no longer want heat, you can remove the heat pad if you want.

I would discontinue the electrolytes, they're not necessary unless you're treating them for stress or something.

I don't use PDZ so not sure how it works. The coop shouldn't be stinky though, so hopefully the PDZ will help with that.

"i saw in TSC there was Crumbles, layer pellets and something called scratch" - Scratch is a treat, not a feed. Layer pellets of course is for active layers or birds close to laying. "Crumble" is a shape of food, like chick feed, not a specific type... before you buy any crumble, you need to see what type it is. There is such thing as layer crumble.

"every time i wanna put them back in a little prematurely because they seems to ignore my calls for the most part while in the run." - Not sure how your chicken door is set up (mine has steps) but if the chicks are acclimate to living in the coop they should put themselves in at night, even at an early age. If you're trying to force them in early then that's why they don't want to go. Also if you want them to follow you, you need to train them to do so. Food is the magic motivator and they can easily be trained to the sound of treats rattling in a can or in a bag.

 

[chickens really]

Electrolytes in the water actually isn't good for the heart of Birds if used continually. Too much salt. Fresh water and age appropriate feed is all they require.

 

[SKYLINE]

Since it sounds like the chicks no longer want heat, you can remove the heat pad if you want.

I would discontinue the electrolytes, they're not necessary unless you're treating them for stress or something.

I don't use PDZ so not sure how it works. The coop shouldn't be stinky though, so hopefully the PDZ will help with that.

"i saw in TSC there was Crumbles, layer pellets and something called scratch" - Scratch is a treat, not a feed. Layer pellets of course is for active layers or birds close to laying. "Crumble" is a shape of food, like chick feed, not a specific type... before you buy any crumble, you need to see what type it is. There is such thing as layer crumble.

"every time i wanna put them back in a little prematurely because they seems to ignore my calls for the most part while in the run." - Not sure how your chicken door is set up (mine has steps) but if the chicks are acclimate to living in the coop they should put themselves in at night, even at an early age. If you're trying to force them in early then that's why they don't want to go. Also if you want them to follow you, you need to train them to do so. Food is the magic motivator and they can easily be trained to the sound of treats rattling in a can or in a bag.

They have general a ladder to the door, I need to retract that comment tho because i have never let them stayed outside till dark to test it so I will soon. And the coop not really stinky per say but if there's odor coming out of there I didn't wanna attract that possum I keep seeing down the street. (For his sake). Ans what type of food should i look for. Like if you could give me a name or brand I could possible order it online because shopping inside the store is a bit much. So many people in such a small space on a sunday even it was uncomfortable.

And @chickens really I will stop using it asap.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

1. I purchased some sweet PDZ from TSC and i'm curious on how I add it in to the coop. Right now there using shaved pine for the interior. The coop doesn't smell horrible all the time but it has its days and pine shavings are getting gross after like 2-3 days so I wanted to know should i take out the shavings or go like half and half?
You can sprinkle a little PDZ onto the pine shavings if you wish. Stir up the bedding. If it's stinky in the coop already, you may need to look at your ventilation (need more fresh air?) or clean more often. PDZ works well on poop boards and make it's easy to scoop poop from under the roosts.
Do you have photos of your coop?

2. I brought a large bag of chick starter when i first got the chicks and actually i think it might last until there 6 weeks or maybe late 5. When that runs out what food do I buy next.. i saw in TSC there was Crumbles, layer pellets and something called scratch. Which one would be best? They are all pullets so i would want to feed them something to help them lay but i don't know if 6 weeks is to early for that.
All of us have our own thoughts on feed - just look at all the threads.
This is my 2¢ on feed

• Leave them on chick starter until they all reach point of lay, then switch to a layer feed. Your chicks are only 5 weeks old, they are still growing - you have a ways to go.
• Use an all flock/flock raiser feed - this can be fed from now on (chicks to old hens and roosters) Provide oyster shell free choice for actively laying birds
• Personally, I use an all flock feed, sometimes chick starter, but mainly all flock year round.

3. How do I get them back up the steps? they are coming out easily but i have to catch them every time i wanna put them back in a little prematurely because they seems to ignore my calls for the most part while in the run.
Sounds like normal chick(en) behavior - ignoring calls
To get them to come, get yourself a little can or container.
Put a very small amount of scratch, mealworms or favorite treat in it. Something that rattles. Shake your can and call. It won't take long before they associate the can (noise) with a treat. Give them a few bites of the treat for coming to you. Sort of like you would a dog
4. Should I keep additives in the water. Do I need to buy more or was that just a baby chick thing? I heard that some people keep Apple Cider Vinegar in the water but not sure why.
For me, fresh clean water daily is best (cleaned water stations too).
It won't hurt to keep some electrolytes or poultry vitamins on hand for emergencies.
I'm not a fan of water additives but will occasionally add probiotics or similar to water for a couple of days here and there.
Hope it all helps.

 

[SKYLINE]

1. I purchased some sweet PDZ from TSC and i'm curious on how I add it in to the coop. Right now there using shaved pine for the interior. The coop doesn't smell horrible all the time but it has its days and pine shavings are getting gross after like 2-3 days so I wanted to know should i take out the shavings or go like half and half?
You can sprinkle a little PDZ onto the pine shavings if you wish. Stir up the bedding. If it's stinky in the coop already, you may need to look at your ventilation (need more fresh air?) or clean more often. PDZ works well on poop boards and make it's easy to scoop poop from under the roosts.
Do you have photos of your coop?

2. I brought a large bag of chick starter when i first got the chicks and actually i think it might last until there 6 weeks or maybe late 5. When that runs out what food do I buy next.. i saw in TSC there was Crumbles, layer pellets and something called scratch. Which one would be best? They are all pullets so i would want to feed them something to help them lay but i don't know if 6 weeks is to early for that.
All of us have our own thoughts on feed - just look at all the threads.
This is my 2¢ on feed

• Leave them on chick starter until they all reach point of lay, then switch to a layer feed. Your chicks are only 5 weeks old, they are still growing - you have a ways to go.
• Use an all flock/flock raiser feed - this can be fed from now on (chicks to old hens and roosters) Provide oyster shell free choice for actively laying birds
• Personally, I use an all flock feed, sometimes chick starter, but mainly all flock year round.

3. How do I get them back up the steps? they are coming out easily but i have to catch them every time i wanna put them back in a little prematurely because they seems to ignore my calls for the most part while in the run.
Sounds like normal chick(en) behavior - ignoring calls
To get them to come, get yourself a little can or container.
Put a very small amount of scratch, mealworms or favorite treat in it. Something that rattles. Shake your can and call. It won't take long before they associate the can (noise) with a treat. Give them a few bites of the treat for coming to you. Sort of like you would a dog
4. Should I keep additives in the water. Do I need to buy more or was that just a baby chick thing? I heard that some people keep Apple Cider Vinegar in the water but not sure why.
For me, fresh clean water daily is best (cleaned water stations too).
It won't hurt to keep some electrolytes or poultry vitamins on hand for emergencies.
I'm not a fan of water additives but will occasionally add probiotics or similar to water for a couple of days here and there.
Hope it all helps.

Right now I’m at work so I can’t post any new pics but if you click on the My Coop thing in the left there’s some pictures. Right now the highest point in my coop is the 2x6 board and they put on that mostly. Also the very tip top of the nest box. I need to redo it so it can be mounted on the wall. Since the board is wide and to the wall the poop mostly stays up there but I have yet to put my highest roost in yet. I’ll sprinkle a little in with my bedding and maybe on the board and see how it goes.

 

[imnukensc]

Folks have already given you good advice on feed, PDZ, etc.

Your ramp up into the coop is much too steep. Can make a longer one or try a concrete block under the end so they can hop up on it to get into the coop.

 

[SKYLINE]

Folks have already given you good advice on feed, PDZ, etc.

Your ramp up into the coop is much too steep. Can make a longer one or try a concrete block under the end so they can hop up on it to get into the coop.

To steep? Haven’t considered that I mean they get up and down it fine ( they only jump up when I put treats) but I’ll look into that