Our first chicks (five of them!) are due to arrive in the mail this week and I can't wait. I have the brooder set up and ready to go but I have a question for all of you experienced chick raisers. My mother was in her local feed and seed store the other day and by their chicks they had some sort of signage which stated not to keep chicks inside and to not let children handle the chicks because children could catch some sort of illness. Now, I know about the dust, but I'm willing to deal with that for a bit as we'll keep our brooder in our sun room for the first little bit. Is there another reason I shouldn't keep them inside in the brooder? Also, part of the reason we're getting chickens is for our children. Our children are three and a half and one and a half years old, and I obviously won't let them hold/squish the chicks, but is there a reason I can't let them pet the chicks? Is there a reason I shouldn't be picking the chicks up and handling them?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Thanks in advance for any advice!