Cooping

[Greg42]

That's funny thanks

 

[gander007]

 

[Greg42]

Thanks

 

[islandgirl82]

I'm new as well. I have two chicks that were hatched out in my son's kindergarten class about 4 weeks ago. They stay in a crate in the house at night and chilly/rainy days but when the weather is decent I put them outside. I have two coops; one is for my established flock and although they've moved into it already, it's still in the process of being converted from an old ice fishing shanty to the "Chateau aux Poulet" (as I call it). The other is one of those small kits that claims to house 3-4 hens but really doesn't seem to be decent for any more than two full grown chickens. It's alright for chicks or maybe rabbits. The smaller coop is in the big run but has it's own run so my babies can be out with the whole flock whilst still being safe from them. I've been putting them out during the day for about two weeks but again, only weather is decent enough (which has been most days).

 

[drumstick diva]

Good luck with your chicks Greg, my first choice would also be a Buff Orpington roo.

 

[Michael OShay]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Chicks are fully feathered and no longer need supplemental heat at around 6 weeks of age. Did you buy pullet chicks or strait run? I would recommend against a RIR rooster for a mixed flock, they seem more likely to be aggressive.

Welcome to BYC! I have had all three of these breeds (still have Buff Orpingtons) and TwoCrows has given you the exact order I would choose as well. The Buff Orpington is the calmest, most gentle, and friendly of these breeds and the RIR is the most aggressive (particularly the roosters). This is the primary reason that I still have Buff Orpingtons and not the other two breeds in my flock.