Hello Chris & Drew

carrow83

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Hello we are a young couple (23 and 19) and we are just getting out on our homestead (The dream to be completely self sustaining) My Flock is very small at the moment but will grow into more layers, meaties, turkeys, and ducks. (Geese? would like some information on the pros an cons if anyone can chime in) My flock as of now consists of 20 layers 7 pullets and 13 chicks my chicks are about 5 weeks old (2 Leghorns, 3 ISA Browns, 4 Black sex links, 2 Amerucanas, 1 Black austalorp, and 1 New Hampshire) a few questions the singled out chicks should i get a couple more austalorps and new hampshire or will they be well of on their own. my Austalorp has crooked toes and i have splinted them what else should i do in terms of electrolytes and probios for her? the other chicks i know have benefited from them two times i have used save a chick already should i use both probios and electrolytes? And they are having trouble being incouraged to roost at night what should i do to promote this or will they start at an older age? my pullets are all 16-17 weeks old ISA Browns What age should i expect them to start laying? i have them on start and grow still when should i switch them to layer? i realize that was alot of questions but i am information hungry haha thanks to anyone that can give me a helping hand or a few.
 
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Welcome to BYC!

Congrats on the new homestead! A good time in your life to be starting this new adventure.

As for geese, you might stop by our Geese section for any questions on their raising....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/47/geese

Probiotics are always good to add to chicks water. I start all broods out with probiotics, healthy or not. The good bacteria really helps the gut for digestion and boosts the immune systems of babies. Sometimes when chicks have genetic problems, such as in your case, crooked toes, they can have other issues as well. So it never hurt to add a good supplement once in a while. I wouldn't add it every day however, as an imbalance of minerals, (too much of one and not enough of the other) can cause it's own problems.

Eventually chicks do learn to roost, but you can start to train them by going out at dark and getting them on the roost bars. They will stay on if it is dark outside. Do this for a few days, and they will get the hang of roosting.

You will know when your birds are getting ready to lay. Not only will the combs, faces and wattles be red, but they will start to squat for you when you lean over them. When they start to do this, eggs will be coming down the pipe soon. So then you will need to head to the feed store for some layer feed.

You might want to stop by our learning center for all kinds of tips on raising your new flock...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!
 
Thanks so much for them information, funny you say that i had one of the pullets squat for me when i was crouching down. you have sparked alot of excitement around my house haha.
 
Also how long should the splints stay on the toes?
 
I have NO idea! And I am not sure these will change the growth at all. All you can do is take them off and see how they are doing. If there is change, but not enough, you can put them back on. You will need to be the judge for this one. I hope you can get her toes back in order and she gives you great pleasure in life!
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of chickens, and other things, homesteading is a venture that takes a lot of determination even for people with a lot of different experience's in life, at your young age it will be a challenge for sure, but nothing in the world feels better than beating the odds and creating something great with your hands and your will, never give up.
 
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Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your poultry projects! TwoCrows gave you some good advice and links to follow. Hope those first eggs show up soon!
 
You guys are great appreciate all the kind words thus far.
 

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