So I thought that you had to keep the chicks in for like a few weeks, but I told my guy at the feed store that and he looked at me like I was insane, and then told me that chickens were made to be outside and I needed to put them out! So now I feel like a goober!! A little help would be great when is the soonest you can put them out! Thanks for all the help it is always nice to hear encouragement!
I wouldn't let my chicks free range until they were at least 6 to 8 weeks... and then I'd still worry.
#1 ... does this guy even own chickens if he doesnt then he is not a reliable source of information.. #2 most people like to keep them in a brood box until they have full feathering. the temperature need to be 95 degrees in the box for the first week and decrease five degrees each week until full feathering #3 if you already have chickens then you should wait until full feathering and after that wait until they are close to same size as existing flock #4 if he does have chickens then he probably lets the hens that birthed them raise them #5 a brood box should allow .5 sq ft per bird and light/heat source should be off to the side of box so the chicks can get away from the heat if they need to... they are smart enough to self regulate their own heat as long as they can get away from the heat # 6 what made you want to spiratcally buy chickens? #7 and after 4th week increase size to .75 sq ft per bird
Do you have them in a brooder? They need heat for warmth, with a brooder light. They need protection from the elements. Keep them in for 6 to 8 weeks. You were right!!! The feed store guy is the one that needs his head examined.
yeah keep in mind they run feed stores not chicken farms haha... my buddy at the local feed store has raised a few chickens in his childhood but is quick to let you know he is no expert... but luckily one of his employees actually show bantams so that guy is a descent source of info but still he is single minded so dont always go with what one person says... i normally confer with him, this forum, magazines, and a few other people
If mama takes them outside, she will keep them warm. I think she would keep them inside if it is really cold though. My girls won't go out if it is really windy either.
As a rule I never trust feed store employees ever since I was inquiring about DE one time and this employee who HAD chickens told me just to use the pool grade DE...and they actually had it STOCKED for that purpose...No matter what I said he would not believe me about how toxic that is to chickens and that you should only use food grade...
