I am planning on buying chicks, but I'm concerned about a few things...

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Older chickens are usually hostile to younger birds (especially young chicks), and it is not a good idea to mix chicks in with adults until the chicks are at least 12 weeks old.

Chicks 0-1 week old should have a heat lamp that provides a temperature of 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Each week thereafter, you can raise the heat lamp and decrease the temperature by about 5 degrees F. Once you get the chicks living in 60-70 degree F. temperatures, you don't need to provide heat any more (unless you're moving them outside into really cold weather).

 

Welcome. Once chicks are fully feathered out (about 6-8 weeks old) they can be acclimated to the weather outside. Integration between young and established flock has to be gradual . There are several good articles on how to do that.

 

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us.

 

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You might like to check out the BYC Learning Center, lots of good articles on all aspects of chicken keeping you'll find helpful, there are several nice articles on how to raise baby chicks and integrating your flock . https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

 

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Already established flocks do not like new chickens. So you'll need to introduce new chickens carefully and slowly.

Here are some good links to check out
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...often-underestimated-part-of-raising-chickens
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

Hello and Welcome to BYC!
Glad to have you join! Feel free to make yourself at home!