Hoping to turn a huge unused dog pen into chicken coop, maybe??

[ChirpyChicks1]

How are they doing today?

 

[LindaB220]

I dont have any use for snakes either---Im going to clean the leaves all around the outside and clear it--snakes usually dont want to come out into the open so it's a matter of cleaning a good perimeter --I think..I have and awesome Cat and 2 awesome dogs--so we shall see. I'm not putting my chicks out there until they are a little older so I got time to figure it out and keep reading and asking

Fill up a knee high hose with moth balls. Snakes hate it. I hang it on the outside so chickens can't get it. I do this several times a year after the rainy season. It really does work.

 

[LindaB220]

I
I got 3 yellow females they said were about 5 days old and 4 from the mixed unsexed -bantams they said 3 days old. the mixed-- my Mom chose 1 white and 1 striped. Caroline chose 2 stripped but one appears to have an orange or red head. I have no idea if any of them are male or female-- I purchased these Chicks last night. I already had the large container--so they are set up just like they were at the store. I bought the feeder and the water jug ...I opted for a different style feeder than the store was using ( they were using the large one) it's working though cause they are eating out of it. They are also drinking water. I have a thermometer in there as well and the seem happy. They are upstairs--In my husbands office--not heated but it's not freezing up there either..My cat doesn't even know--or maybe he dont care.. Hope I am doing this right!

These babies look great. And so does your coop. The man is coming to fix my dog kennel next week. My babies are coming Mar 27. Excited!!!

 

[Angierob]

my chicks are doing good I think, they are eating drinking and pooping. How old do they need to be before I can give them treats?

I am so excited to see what they will look like and what color they will actually be. Who knew chickens could be so exciting...
Good luck Linda b220

I wrote a really long response yesterday to Chirpy Chick but I guess it did not post.. dang computers

 

[Aacre]

Your pen and coop are looking great so far! I'm so excited for you! How fortunate that your dog kennel is pretty much ready for chickens. The wire that you put on the bottom to keep the dogs from digging out is PERFECT. It'll keep predators from getting in. I love re-using older wood. It makes things a bit more challenging, but it's FUN! Your little chicks look good. You can give baby chicks treats at any time but you have to provide grit so that they can digest the food better. Usually with chick starter feed, you don't need grit, but with treats and such you do. You can buy grit from TSC or wherever you get your chick feed.

 

[Angierob]

Your pen and coop are looking great so far! I'm so excited for you! How fortunate that your dog kennel is pretty much ready for chickens. The wire that you put on the bottom to keep the dogs from digging out is PERFECT. It'll keep predators from getting in. I love re-using older wood. It makes things a bit more challenging, but it's FUN! Your little chicks look good. You can give baby chicks treats at any time but you have to provide grit so that they can digest the food better. Usually with chick starter feed, you don't need grit, but with treats and such you do. You can buy grit from TSC or wherever you get your chick feed.

Thank you!! I am using the starter--and that's all I wanted to give them treats as I get to know each one--I am trying to Socialize My Chicken LOL I have grandkids and it is important to me that these chicks be friendly. I want to give them some of the dried worms but I was scared to at such a young age. They have eaten only the starter for now. How do chicks play? They must be bored in that brooder.... I even considered hanging a cabbage but I guess they can't digest that at such a young age.

 

[LindaB220]

Thank you!! I am using the starter--and that's all I wanted to give them treats as I get to know each one--I am trying to Socialize My Chicken LOL I have grandkids and it is important to me that these chicks be friendly. I want to give them some of the dried worms but I was scared to at such a young age. They have eaten only the starter for now. How do chicks play? They must be bored in that brooder.... I even considered hanging a cabbage but I guess they can't digest that at such a young age.

Angie, be sure to put a small container in there of soil and a little grass on it. This helps to give the babies a start at immunization on cocci..... whatever

 

[Angierob]

hey guys I posted pics in the breed forum

Please help identify TS chicks with pics of my 10 babies....they are so cute..

 

[Angierob]

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Looks good!

I chose not to give my chick's treats until they were around 5 weeks old. It's important they get a proper nutrition and feeding treats, although fun, isn't needed. When I finally did give treats I started with scrambled eggs and shredded cheese.