- May 28, 2010
- 13
- 0
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Hi - we currently have 5 backyard hens and will be getting another 5 chicks. I have some basic questions for you more experienced folks:
1. Does it matter if the chicks are all different varieties (but all the same age). Will they get along worse than if they were all the same?
2. Will a brooder made from a fairly large wire dog crate in our basement work okay? I have a red heat lamp and other supplies I was figuring on adding some chicken wire around the side to prevent escapism.
3. We plan to keep the brooder in the basement for the moment. Does that sound reasonable? We are in Southern Oregon and temperatures outside range from around 60 - 90's outside right now.
4. I was thinking at some point I could take the bottom tray off the crate and put it outside on the grass. At what age would that be okay?
5. At what point can we put the chicks into the chicken run with the other ladies? Will it be like two different flocks or will they integrate?
6. Is it okay for my kids to handle the chicks? They're 7 & 9 yrs old.
Thank you!!!
1. Does it matter if the chicks are all different varieties (but all the same age). Will they get along worse than if they were all the same?
2. Will a brooder made from a fairly large wire dog crate in our basement work okay? I have a red heat lamp and other supplies I was figuring on adding some chicken wire around the side to prevent escapism.
3. We plan to keep the brooder in the basement for the moment. Does that sound reasonable? We are in Southern Oregon and temperatures outside range from around 60 - 90's outside right now.
4. I was thinking at some point I could take the bottom tray off the crate and put it outside on the grass. At what age would that be okay?
5. At what point can we put the chicks into the chicken run with the other ladies? Will it be like two different flocks or will they integrate?
6. Is it okay for my kids to handle the chicks? They're 7 & 9 yrs old.
Thank you!!!