Is this set up plan okay??

[kayjk27]

We have a 4 or 5 month old Polish Roo. He is my first chicken. We have had him him for about 2 weeks and built a coop for him. We are now getting 3 Brahma (or maybe 2 brahma and 1 orpington) chicks tomorrow. They will only be 2 days old. I'm kind of freaking out because I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing... I have no idea if the feed store can sex the chicks for me and I'm really worried we will end up with another rooster...

My plan is to put this dog kennel in the run part of the coop (our rooster gets let out every morning so he most likely won't bother them I hope). I have straw to put on the bottom, and a heat lamp. I have chick start/grow and chick grit.

Does that sound okay? Tips or suggestions?

Oh also, our Roo has still been getting chick start/grow. Should I switch him to something else now? I have a huge bag of scratch but I just read that that's just a treat, not feed. If I buy layer pellets is that what all the chickens will eat when they are old enough? Thanks!!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I like the coop. Anyway, I personally think people worry too much about what kind of feeds are appropriate for what chicken, etc, etc. I don't see why chicken starter feed shouldn't work for adult chickens....... and if you get hens, just add oyster shells on the side for a boost of calcium for developing eggs. All these different feeds just has more to do with protein percentage content than anything, and some prefer higher some prefer lower. And in my opinion scratch is perfectly fine as a main feed, sometimes I think people spoil their chickens too much so if you are one of those, than yes, I would suggest you get feed that is specific to your chicken's need and growing stage.

Also, is your starter feed medicated or non-medicated? I'm not sure but that might / might not affect older chickens. Maybe the more experienced chicken keeper in here will chime in and further help you out.

 

[KikiLeigh02]

I would probably put cardboard around the bottom on the inside to cover up the wire.

 

[Chickensrforus1234]

We have a 4 or 5 month old Polish Roo. He is my first chicken. We have had him him for about 2 weeks and built a coop for him. We are now getting 3 Brahma (or maybe 2 brahma and 1 orpington) chicks tomorrow. They will only be 2 days old. I'm kind of freaking out because I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing... I have no idea if the feed store can sex the chicks for me and I'm really worried we will end up with another rooster...

My plan is to put this dog kennel in the run part of the coop (our rooster gets let out every morning so he most likely won't bother them I hope). I have straw to put on the bottom, and a heat lamp. I have chick start/grow and chick grit.

Does that sound okay? Tips or suggestions?

Oh also, our Roo has still been getting chick start/grow. Should I switch him to something else now? I have a huge bag of scratch but I just read that that's just a treat, not feed. If I buy layer pellets is that what all the chickens will eat when they are old enough? Thanks!!
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I'm not much of an opinion type of person so I'm going to add a picture from the National Academy of Science it's not something I made up it's just something I look at as a reference point. You can do with it as you wish a lot of people get offended when I post scientific information. Apparently their opinions are above science and biology. But to each their own!!

Anytime I bought chickens or ducks from a store I'll was allowed to pick them out but I was not even allowed to touch them to try to sex them myself. So it just depends on where you go!

Good luck you will be more than fine!!

 

[PachecoPeeps]

You do not want to feed chicks or roosters layer feed because it can kill them. When the chicks are older and are living with the rooster you should try and find an all flock or flock raiser feed and offer oyster shells on the side for the hens.

I also agree with having cardboard around the kennel so that your chicks don’t escape or get stuck in the wire.

Good luck with your new babies!

 

[KikiLeigh02]

As for the feed, if the chicks have been vaccinated you don't want to use medicated feed chick feed. If they were not it's really your preference. I agree with the all flock for the rooster, and then just put out a side of oyster shell when the pullets start laying! The feed store probably won't even know which chicks are which. I would look at pictures of the chicks you want to make sure that's what you're actually getting. If it doesn't say specifically that they're pullets they'll most likely be straight run, and the employees will most likely not be able to help you sex them.

 

[kayjk27]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! This is what I have set up now. I can't wait to go get them tomorrow!

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Looks good! You may want to put some marbles/rocks in the water container, chicks can be really clumsy. If you have something to put underneath it like a piece of wood, just something to prop it up a little. It will help keep the water clean longer. Enjoy your chicks!!!

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

Did you secure an apron of chicken wires around the coop to deter predators from digging underneath and going into your coop?

 

[kayjk27]

Did you secure an apron of chicken wires around the coop to deter predators from digging underneath and going into your coop?

No, we haven't! What is the best way to do that...?