Or if you have a smaller flock of 8 like us, and the run is secure/predator proof, you can keep the pop door open all the time. We let them out into the yard when we get up and are outside. They do roam unsupervised during the day, but our backyard is mostly contained.OK, you can stop waiting. You have Rhode Island Reds. They are a great choice for eggs and general chickenness. But, you will find that the roosters are agressive. Roosters are easy to spot. They are the ones attacking your ankles. When they are 3 or 4 months old, all but 1 need to go to freezer camp.
There are youtube videos showing how. Or you can come to the Mooresville meeting at Racinchickins on 7/28 at 11:00 and learn how first hand. I can provide you with a couple of test subjects.
The roo you keep should be instructed on proper etiquette through proper application of foot to bird. Use the side of your foot, you don't want to do actual harm to your pride and joy. RIR roos are beautiful birds.
Unfortunately, this one got strained through a coyote. He was the neighborhood mean rooster.
The men kicked him, the ladies carried a broom. They all loved him, except for one equally mean old lady.
Feed your chicks "Chick starter" feed for 4 months. Switch to "Layer mix". They should start laying at about that time.
I prefer to keep feed out all the time for them. They will eat what they need and no more.
You will need a chicken house (coop) with room for roosts, nest boxes, and loafing space. You will also need room for a lawn chair to sit and watch the little feathered varmits doing chicken things. If you are handy, you can make one. If not, or if money is easier to come by than time, you can buy an outdoor storage shed and put a pop door in it. You can spend any where from $100 to $10,000 on the coop. It can be made of recycled pallets or built to match your house.
Try to make it coyote and raccoon proof. If you are not short of funds, consider an automatic door that raises in the morning and lowers in the evening. That way, you don't have to go out at 7 AM to open the door or 10 pm to close it. If the chickens are out at night, owls will find them as well as coyotes and raccoons and various other hungry critters.
During the day, all you have to worry about are hawks, dogs, and brazen coyotes that have not been shot at.
What are you sitting around for? Get up and get at it!!!!!!!!
John
