First chicks on the farm!

[Riverwood Farm]

After months of planning and working on the coop, we've brought home our first chicks. Coops not done but should be soon. Hopefully before the chicks outgrow the brooder pen. But the grandkids will be here Friday and the chicks had to be too. Starting with 7 baby reds, all pullets, (if I'm lucky) about 3 weeks old, from Tractor Supply. We had planned on getting them direct from the factory, but I didn't want to get them before the coop was finished, so I've been putting it off. Best laid plans of mice and men. Grandkids and I will be building a bigger, more permanent brooder for the chicks when they come down.

 

[SueT]

Cute! I suggest at 3 weeks, begin weaning them off of heat. And make sure the grandkids wash hands every time after handling! Good luck!

 

[Harmony Fowl]

I agree with SueT’s suggestion for three week olds, but I would maintain the heat for your chicks because there’s no way those are three weeks. Probably three days. I don’t know if that was a typo or if you were given incorrect info. I would be very surprised by TSC hanging on to any chick for three weeks, much less seven pullets.

But still, very cute and enjoy them!

 

[Riverwood Farm]

I didn't think about the turn over rate at TSC, I was there about 2 weeks ago and saw they had chicks and when I went back today I assumed (yes, I know) they were the same chicks. I didn't ask the age, just guessed. Just called TSC and they say the chicks are no more than 4 days old.
Thanks for the advice, will make sure GK's wash good after holding them. First 3 GK coming tomorrow to claim their three and name them. Two more next month, not sure about the other two. I know that if they pick a chick and name her now, they wont see the chick again until this summer. They'll have to decide which is theirs all over again. Question is, are RR different enough to be able to tell them apart from their flock mates?

 

[Harmony Fowl]

I didn't think about the turn over rate at TSC, I was there about 2 weeks ago and saw they had chicks and when I went back today I assumed (yes, I know) they were the same chicks. I didn't ask the age, just guessed. Just called TSC and they say the chicks are no more than 4 days old.
Thanks for the advice, will make sure GK's wash good after holding them. First 3 GK coming tomorrow to claim their three and name them. Two more next month, not sure about the other two. I know that if they pick a chick and name her now, they wont see the chick again until this summer. They'll have to decide which is theirs all over again. Question is, are RR different enough to be able to tell them apart from their flock mates?

I’ve only had a couple and other than being male and female, mine were identical. Maybe have fun naming them this year and have fun guessing who’s who next year!