frenchtchr
In the Brooder
Hi all, been lurking for a while and finally decided to join up because I have questions that I've not seen answered or haven't yet found a thread yet. Anyhow, I'm new to chickens, and so far it's been going well. We picked up chicks on 7/23 that were a week old at the time. Two Orpingtons, two Brahmas, & two ameraucanas. All seemed well, but two died sadly- one brahma and one Orpington.
Anyhow, my girls are in a coop outside with an attached run and seem to be doing well, one ameraucana- Nugget- seems to be the boss because she's the largest of the bunch. I also picked up three more chicks in early August, a Wyandotte, speckled Sussex and a cuckoo maran, who are not in the coop yet as they're not quite the same size as the others but are getting close.
I've read the threads about introducing chickens, but seeing as how they're all not full grown yet do I follow the same protocols? When can I let them free range a bit without worrying they won't go back in their coop? I have a dog who wants to chase them in addition to 2 kids(5&2)- dog is crazy- she's a year old Frenchie who is still learning "leave it", so they can't be out unsupervised anyhow. Suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Anyhow, my girls are in a coop outside with an attached run and seem to be doing well, one ameraucana- Nugget- seems to be the boss because she's the largest of the bunch. I also picked up three more chicks in early August, a Wyandotte, speckled Sussex and a cuckoo maran, who are not in the coop yet as they're not quite the same size as the others but are getting close.
I've read the threads about introducing chickens, but seeing as how they're all not full grown yet do I follow the same protocols? When can I let them free range a bit without worrying they won't go back in their coop? I have a dog who wants to chase them in addition to 2 kids(5&2)- dog is crazy- she's a year old Frenchie who is still learning "leave it", so they can't be out unsupervised anyhow. Suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
