How old do you think these chicks are?

[wsonphan80]

Yup. They look like 2-3 week old RIR to me. Only 2 though? That's pretty good restraint

 

[kara1015]

Only one foot above them is probably way too close for them, but make sure to use a thermometer or keep an eye on their behavior. Have they settled down yet and gone to sleep? If they lay right under the light on top of each other, they are too cold. If they lay right around the lighted area they are probably about right, and if they are sleeping pretty far away from the light it's too hot. At 3 weeks old the temp under the light at chick height should probably only be about 80-85 degrees. They really aren't that much work, just don't worry about them! Let them settle in without too much interaction for a day or so and then start feeding or treating them from your hand. Wait until they're comfortable with you before grabbing them and holding them. They'll LOVE you soon enough though! I just got my first ever 15 chicks 2 weeks ago and they're a piece of cake once you get used to them.

I am probably worrying too much! I just don't want them to die... I'm going to go check on them one last time before I head to bed. I hope they are asleep so I can rest easy as well.

 

[kara1015]

We have 2.5 week old chicks, and we only have the light on once a day at dusk, and only for half hour or so. BUT, they are in our laundry room, with the door closed. So, the heat stays in. Is there a way you can lift the light? Move it a little each day, and then start to take them outside for half hour or so when they get more feathers. It'll help them adjust. Trying to find my temp sheet.
Oh.... And when you do take them out, make sure that your chicks and your current flock are separated, yet close. They need to get used to each other before they join and get into the pecking order. (Yes, a lot of work).

Oh great! I have to worry about the other birds not liking them once they are old enough to go outside? It was almost 90 degrees out today, I had their box outside with me in the shade, they seemed to like it. I also let them play in our fenced area for the dogs. They sure are cute.

 

[bairo]

joining the other girls...

Depends on if you have a separated area in the coop for them. You want an area where they can see each other but not touch for about 3 weeks. Obviously that can get shorter or longer depending on the breed you have already and if your head hen accepts them or not. Lets assume you do have a little area in the coop..... then basically at 4 weeks if the lowest temp outside will not fall below 65.
If you dont have a separate area in the coop, then it can get pretty tricky. Wait until they are 5 weeks and you can get a big heavy duty cardboard box flip it upside down and cut a hole in it big enough for the chicks but not for the others. They will learn to run for cover if being picked on and come out when the girls are on the roost to run around, play, and eat. The box will last about as long as it takes them to integrate

 

[kara1015]

joining the other girls...

Depends on if you have a separated area in the coop for them. You want an area where they can see each other but not touch for about 3 weeks. Obviously that can get shorter or longer depending on the breed you have already and if your head hen accepts them or not. Lets assume you do have a little area in the coop..... then basically at 4 weeks if the lowest temp outside will not fall below 65.
If you dont have a separate area in the coop, then it can get pretty tricky. Wait until they are 5 weeks and you can get a big heavy duty cardboard box flip it upside down and cut a hole in it big enough for the chicks but not for the others. They will learn to run for cover if being picked on and come out when the girls are on the roost to run around, play, and eat. The box will last about as long as it takes them to integrate

Ugh. We have 4 Golden Comet hens, they are about 18 weeks. We don't have a separate area. I'm thinking I might want to find new homes for these two chicks.

 

[kara1015]

On a lighter note -- I did move the lamp up and they are fast asleep underneath it now.

 

[FirewifeJess]

Ugh. We have 4 Golden Comet hens, they are about 18 weeks. We don't have a separate area. I'm thinking I might want to find new homes for these two chicks.

I really think you'll be alright, don't give up just yet! If you were to wait until the newbies were almost fully grown at about 10-12 weeks or so (or at least MUCH more compatible with the older GCs), it would be easier on everyone and you won't have to work quite so hard at it. You'd still need to keep them separate (but able to see each other) for a while but once together entirely, the little ones would be big enough to better defend themselves. Read up on integrating flocks a little bit and I think you'll be encouraged instead of discourage on the topic.

 

[kara1015]

Kara.... If you can get a pic up without the red light, I can probably tell you what breed they are for certain. As far as age goes, everyone else got it.

Here are some better pics...

 

[FirewifeJess]

Those are beautiful Rhode Island Reds!