First Time Chick Parents, Spring 2016

[Jensownzoo]

This is the first time for My Husband and I raising chic's. We have 7 full grown 1 rooster and 6 hens outside already. About 2 weeks ago we purchased 6 baby chic's from Tractor Supply. All is going great with them. I am really worried about when its time to put them outside with the others. Do I have to worry about the grown ones hurting my babies? Anyone who can help would be greatly appreciated.

If you do a search about integrating your flock, you will find tons of information and options to accomplish it fairly safely.

 

[Jensownzoo]

One of my light brahma chicks passed away during the night. Don't know the reason. Hope that this is the last one and maybe it was a fluke. Came home from the farm store with me Monday night, so certainly could have been related to that.

On a different note, the two Sicilian Buttercup chicks are already jump/flying and I just got them Monday! I do think they may be a week old, but they certainly are precocious...I am going to be that one of them turns out to be a roo as it is always extremely alert and keeping an eye out for things even when everybody else is eating. We shall see, but I actually would be really happy to have one of each sex if it came down to it (even though I actually think the girls are prettier in this one breed!).

 

[lizbeth120]

My babies are already getting some impressive wing feathers and they're only 5 days old!

 

[texpat]

I have 26 Red Stars, and 1 Blue Silkie. I didn't know what it was until it started to grow feathers on its feet. It is an interesting looking little bird. This is my first experience with chickens, and it's a blast. It is absolutely amazing how fast they grow. Mine are 2 1/2 wks old. I am semi-retired, so I have the time to spend with, and care for them.

 

[silky guy]

hi there I'm silky guy we have silkes and if you need any advice come to me
heres 1 of them

 

[gmow2087]

So my chicks are now 5 weeks old and pretty far along as far as feathers go... they refuse to stay in their brooder. Last night I moved them to the coop for the first time, I had the heat lamp on but when I checked on them it was over a 100 degrees. I gave theme cool water and turned the light off. They did great! But tonight is supposed to be in the high 30's as oppsed to last nights 50's, do you think they will fair well?

 

[mrv19]

Could you just put a lower watt bulb in there just to kill the chill in the air?

So my chicks are now 5 weeks old and pretty far along as far as feathers go... they refuse to stay in their brooder. Last night I moved them to the coop for the first time, I had the heat lamp on but when I checked on them it was over a 100 degrees. I gave theme cool water and turned the light off. They did great! But tonight is supposed to be in the high 30's as oppsed to last nights 50's, do you think they will fair well?

 

[circlehouse]

Great idea for a thread! We are getting our first chicks in a couple of weeks. 2 buff Orpingtons, 2 silver laced wyandottes, 2 araucanas, 1 light brahma, and 1 jersey black giant. Super excited! Starting to build our coop next weekend, we will be brooding in the coop with the mama heating pad method so we need to hustle!

 

[Husker Chick]

I just was referred to this post yesterday for the same question. She only broods her chicks outdoors-


https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...rooder-and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors

 

[circlehouse]

I just was referred to this post yesterday for the same question. She only broods her chicks outdoors- 


https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...rooder-and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors

A really great article, I've been reading the huge mama heating pad thread. Good stuff there too!