Hi Everyone! SoFlo Here!

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Kiki said:
Welcome!
You might want to think about taking them out of the plastic container and letting them run around the cage, but first cover the sides of the cage with some cardboard box so they can't get out.
I'm a little worried about them hopping out of that container and then getting out of the cage or not being able to get back into the container once they hop out.


I would also recommend moving the feed and waterer away from the edge of the container...that way they can walk all the way around it.
Click to expand...
HA! :celebrate

You nailed it! One of them already popped out of the plastic on Monday. We had to make it cozier. They only hatched this past Saturday - so they are only 4 days old. The picture was from the first 2 nights ONLY. Since Monday we made the space smaller & safer. Every few days we'll slowly expand it and lose the plastic. And YES, we have large plastic yard signs surrounding the crate to keep them (and the dust & garbage) inside the crate.

We're also ready for them to grow quickly. We have a few expansion ideas. Right now they seem happy in the space. and we were told for the first week (since they just hatched) to keep them warm & cozy. I've been taking a lot of pictures... I'll try to post later. My kids are LOVING them up!!!

It's amazing that they have been able to get them to perch already. Just wow!
 
Glad to meet you Gary and Sophie. Welcome to BYC. Those are some cuties, alright. I think that must be the breed: Cute chicken.

Here are my favorite beginning articles that helped me as a newbie. All articles are short, and have illustrations, and reviews, which are often worth looking at for the comments.

1. Intro to chicken keeping

2. Common mistakes & how to fix them

3. Ventilation (important to chicken health), with helpful links to coop designs organized by climate (because what is just right for my New England hens won't work for my brother's Arizona chickens)

3(a). Farmers Almanac on Building Coops (Includes size requirements!) Allowing plenty of space for chickens is really important because, even as chicks, they will start pecking each other or plucking their own feathers, or become unhealthy if they are overcrowded. Here is a link to Colorado State Extension's publication on space and temperature requirements for chicks as they age.

4. Predator protection for new & existing coops

5. Dealing with a muddy coop and run

6. Winter chicken care

To look for articles on your own:

A. Use the SEARCH button, but use the Advanced Search choice, and select ARTICLES at the top of the box. Just enter your keyword(s) and scroll through your results!

B. I find it helpful to notice the rating and reviews. All articles are by BYC members, and all the reviews/ratings are as well. The ratings help a newbie like me sort the most useful and reliable articles.

C. You can bookmark the articles or posts you think you want to refer to again using that bookmark icon at the top of articles or posts. You can find them again by clicking on your own avatar and looking at the list of bookmarks you have built up!

Notes about where to put a coop:

1. As far as you can, put a coop and run on high ground, that drains well, so you won't have so much muddy coop problems. Chickens need to be dry, dry, dry.

2. As far as you can, put a coop with the ventilation lined up with your prevailing breezes, and away from the direction of your storms. If you are not sure of these (who is these days?), check with your local National Weather Service website.

3. As far as you can, arrange for some sort of shade over your coop and run. Preferably deciduous so the girls will enjoy winter sun, but summer shade.
 
Welcome to the coop! I use the Forums and Articles tabs at the top of the page to do research. You can get lost for hours. It's nice to know you are minutes away from getting help with questions and emergencies! I always check in the "What's New" section as well at the top of this page. This way I can read how I may have a similar question or help give some advice.
 

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