im new at raising chicks or chickens

[brandi37]

i have read on the raising of chicks but it dont answer my questions. i have nine female chickens . how important is getting a male to get a rooster. what age is good to move the chicks into the chicken coop building? right now i have them inside house in cages. someone please help me. if anyone has an extra rooster chick let me know i may need one.

 

[sumi]

You will need a rooster if you want them to have chicks. Otherwise not, they don't need a rooster around to get them laying, they'll start doing that naturally when they're around 18-20 weeks old.
How old are your chicks now?
If they are older than 2 weeks they don't need constant heat, though letting them get too cold before they are fully feathered isn't good for them. Letting them out depends on the temperatures in your area. If it's warm and sunny they will be fine.
What breed are they?
Give us a bit more info to work with and you'll get answers

And

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

Rule of thumb is to start the chicks at 95 degrees and drop it 5 degrees per week. Your chicks still need supplemental heat if the temp is below that.

Check the FAQ section of the forum for links to many helpful threads.

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[dreamer5577]

Hi && Welcome!!!

 

[Kevin565]

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hello and
Getting a rooster depends on whether or not you want eggs that will hatch. The hens don't need a rooster to lay eggs or live. Sometimes a dominant hen might start acting a little like a rooster, but she'll still lay.
Chickens can move outside at 4 weeks if it's warm, six weeks if it's cold. I suppose you just gotta watch the chicks, see if they act cold, and you can go from there.
Anyway, I hope you have many rewarding experiences raising your chickens, don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have, and enjoy the site!

 

[greymane]