If you are going to keep them on flakes just be sure to provide them with chick grit just in case.
Ok, thanks. What bedding do you use before 2 weeks?
I live on a sand dune so the only bedding that I use is sand. The only cost to me for the sand is the effort to shovel it.
I remember seeing you post that before. I lost my favorite hen last night to a 6 ft black snake. I found his burrow holes. He tunneled under my mesh, the ground is so soft. I am meshing the entire run floor today, laying a light base of gravel, and then 4 - 5 inches of sand on top. I just need to source the sand yet.
Lots of people prefer the deep litter method. I don't have anything against using DLM. I use sand because it is free for me.
I had already planned a sand run because of how shady and damp an area it is. Most of our land is rocky and clayish here in southwest Missouri, but the run is on some softer soil at the edge of the woods. The snake has lived under the shed since before I got the birds. I had meshed inside the run against the shed and all around the outside. Ah well. I just went to town and got the mesh and the rain outside has quit. Next time I see the snake his butt is grass.
Yes they do smell. I am moving there temporary cage outside during the day and bringing them in at night. They have almost all of these feathers and are crazy eaters. I charge there cage 6 times a day, wash feet twice a day. They get to listen to music and watch TV. When the music is playing both strut around. Today it tomorrow I will get them some alfalfa and some saw dust. This is there third full day with me and seem to be getting use to being held and having there feet washedHello and Welcome to BYC! We are so glad you joined us. We moved our guinea keets outside as soon as possible because of the smell, unlike when we had baby chicks. Good luck with your housing decision for them.
