in the future

[chick'n'run]

i am planning/hoping to get 4-5 chickens and i have a few questions for raising them.

1. can i use the same heater bulb all the time, but just raise it higher as they get older,

2. can i use 1 or 2 hamster cages for raising them, and

3. does anyone have a "guide" to raising chicks?

 

[Baymen Moe]

Your guide is right here on BYC.

 

[the_eagle69]

1. yes i do that all the time it works 2. belive i would want a little more room but just my thoughts 3. the is a great guide.

 

[Momma_Cluck]

Depending on what kind of chickens you get, hamster cages are too small-- but a nice Bunny Hutch works great for bantams!!
Figure a MINIMUM of 2ft square for Bantams and 3square feet per standard bird-- and that is small... PLUS they need outdoor space-- we made a "playpen"for ours last year when we didn't have a run-- just some "push-in" fence posts, a roll of 3' chicken wire all around it, and a sheet of deer&bird netting thrown over the top! Worked great!!! We put a blanket over one end for a shady spot, and they stayed in there most of the day!

The main pages here have great guides... this is where we learned the most, as well as a couple good books from Tractor Supply....

 

[RendonRoo]

Welcome to BYC. My best suggestion is to read all the post on here that you can, and by the time the chicks arrive you will have a good basic idea of what's going on. Then keep this site handy and ask for advise as you need it. PPl here are full of help and encouragement. O Yea and most importantly post a lot of pics when you get your chicks and these chicken obsessed ppl will love you forever. LOL. (Me too). Good Luck

 

[chick'n'run]

well, i have a hamster and 3 extra cages. so...each cage is about x 1'4" ft. but i guess i need to make my own pen.

i also have more questions

1. when can i actually leave the chicks in the coop, and
2. which hatchery can i order from so i don't get packing peanuts?