Hello, I'm another "Newbie"

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bellasmeme

bellasmeme

Chirping
10 Years
Aug 12, 2009
15
9
82
a personal Bedlam
and I don't really know how to use a forum, but thank goodness I have teenagers to help me out. My husband and I moved up to the country from Boston quite a while ago, and I have wanted to raise chickens for years. We finally managed the time, space and money to build a coop (I will try to post pictures later) and, after much deliberation, have gotten 5 buff orpington chicks. They are now ten days old, and living in a huge box with an infrared lamp to keep them comfy - in my bathtub. I can't wait for them to be old enough to transfer outside, as cute as they are, I'd like my tub back and caint wait to see them strutting around in their new coop and run. We've read lots of books and visited many chicken sites, but I like this one best!
 
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from OK!!! That is why we use big rubbermaid tubs with lights over them, so that we do not have to lose our tub.
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from California. You and I are in about the same 'chick boat'. my three are just 2 wks old and have sprouted tails and wings! Take lots of pics- I cant believe how fast they grow. Good luck- and get to posting pics!
 
Thanks for all your kind welcomes! We considered a big rubbermaid tub, and may go there yet, but I have been reading about how much space each chicken needs, and I didnt want to crowd them-so the box which fits in my tub is bigger than any tote I've found yet. How much room do they need, and at what ages? I guess i've learned what a full-grown orpie needs, but is it very different for chicks? Also, I've heard that even chicks love table-vegetable scraps, but I'm reluctant - when should I offer them , oh, leftover corn on the cob, or raw vegetable bits? And worms? at another site, I read that even babies love insects and earthworms. I keep millet for my finches - would the chicks like that? Thanks for your patience, I am a nervous first-time "mom"!
 
The rubbermaid tub we use we found at Walmart. It is probably as long as most peoples bath tubs. As a bonus it has wheels, which we found is awesome for cleaning. With 5 chicks you should be able to raise them to the age to let them out in this tub. I hope that helps. I do not know the exact measurement, I watch mine and see how they play and decide if they look cramped or not. We have several rubbermaid tubs and if they need more room I divide them, lol. I personally do not feed any treats until they have been outside and I am sure they have had the chance to pick up some grit. Some people do allow yogurt and stuff before then though. There is all kinds of threads on that though.
 
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from Vermont!

I have buff orpingtons too and I adore them! I'd say you're little ones are ready for day trips outside. This time of year should be lovely for afternoon outings in the grass. As for overcrowding, I would say that would be pretty tough to do to 5 chicks. A square foot or so each should be fine for at least a couple more weeks.

You'll love BYC, lots of great info and friendly people. Nice to have you here
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