Just getting ready

[Yard full o' rocks]

I am hoping to keep 3-4 of the chicks that I hope to be hatching on 4/27 (my first hatch, from eggs i collected from my girls). I have been advised that I should keep them seperated from the grown birds for at least 5 months in order for them to be about the same size, not get hurt by the rooster, not be exposed to diseases that the grown birds might be carrying, etc. I guess I will have to build another small run and another small coop. My question is how old do the peeps need to be before I take them outside to the coop and run? Any suggestions?

 

[what eggs]

My last bunch had a mix of several breeds so some feathered in at different rates. With those I put them out in their own fenced in area around 6-8wks. They would come in at night to sleep/roost in their giant dog kennel. There are some more opinions on what age and how chicks can start moving outside.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=157069&p=3
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=148590&p=2

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

I already have an old "dog house" that is approx 2ft high, 2ft wide and 4 ft long. Think that will work for a temp. coop or should it be higher? only planning to keep 3-4 peeps.