How soon do I have to have a coop?

[mirandalola]

I got some week-old Australorps today (a baker's dozen!), and my kids are absolutely smitten! We love holding them and hearing their chirps!

How soon does my husband need to get that coop built?!

Also, is it possible to transition them from the Starter/Grower Crumble to 100% real food? I've seen recipes for homemade chicken feed, but that's for full-grown chickens.... when are they full grown?

Thanks!

 

[minihorse927]

When they become fully mature depends on breed. Say my Swedish flowers generally are fully grown by 12 months while my orpingtons continue to develop until 24 months. Generally a lot of people consider adulthood at the point they start laying.


Depending on the weather and feathering they can go outside arpund 8 weeks. By then they should be fully feathered and ready to withstand the weather. Of course they need a draft free warm coop to sleep in at that time. What climate do you live in? It could take longer than 8 weeks if you live in a cold area

 

[lazy gardener]

Ideally, the coop should be finished before you get the chicks. Then they can be brooded right in the coop. Much better for all concerned.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors

 

[FarmerTony]

I generally move them to the coop once they start to get true feathers. As for changing them to adult food, most quality feeds will have direction on the back of the bag. Those are generally the best advice.

Full grown is usually 18 weeks old, depending on the breed.

 

[chickens really]

I got Chicks a few years back..15 of them...The Coop was not ready...I had 15 stinky, dusty fully feathered 6 week old Chicks still living in my house...My Husband always asks me, "What came first? The Chicken or the Egg''? He always says the Coop...Haha!

Get Building ASAP.....They grow fast...

Cheers!

 

[minihorse927]

I got Chicks a few years back..15 of them...The Coop was not ready...I had 15 stinky, dusty fully feathered 6 week old Chicks still living in my house...My Husband always asks me, "What came first? The Chicken or the Egg''? He always says the Coop...Haha!

Get Building ASAP.....They grow fast...

Cheers!

Agreed!

 

[chickens really]

Quote: Haha!!! lol!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Build it solid, but FAST! The sooner they are out of the house, the better. Mine start in a brooder in the garage, and move to the coop in their own section by about three weeks of age, with their heat source. Thirteen chicks, unsexed, will turn into many cockerels, and you will only be able to keep one. Is everyone ready for that? Your coop will need to have AT LEAST four sq. ft. per bird, with more room for an enclosed run. Consider a garden shed with modifications for a faster build. Mary

 

[aart]

I got Chicks a few years back..15 of them...The Coop was not ready...I had 15 stinky, dusty fully feathered 6 week old Chicks still living in my house...My Husband always asks me, "What came first? The Chicken or the Egg''? He always says the Coop...Haha!

Get Building ASAP.....They grow fast...

Cheers!

ROFL...smart man!

I got some week-old Australorps today (a baker's dozen!), and my kids are absolutely smitten! We love holding them and hearing their chirps!

How soon does my husband need to get that coop built?!

Also, is it possible to transition them from the Starter/Grower Crumble to 100% real food? I've seen recipes for homemade chicken feed, but that's for full-grown chickens.... when are they full grown?

Thanks!

That is real food......has all the nutrients for the chicks to grow into healthy productive birds.

Yeah, coop should come first....makes it way easier.......so to answer your ...
Q: "How soon does my husband need to get that coop built?!"
A: Yesterday.

 

[chickens really]

Quote: Thanks @arrt I appreciate your sense of humour...lol!