Looking to raise chickens and build first coop

[rjohns39]

Three things we tend to tell new folks... Don't do a pre-fab coop. If your coop aint built, build it now. And cover the brooder. My first go around, I went out to the brooder to find it empty and 25 turkey poults running around the garage. Thankfully all the doors were closed. It took almost three hours to find them all and get them back in. Then I had to quickly come up with a way to keep them in. Thankfully I had a roll of screen laying around.

 

[robcam817]

Three things we tend to tell new folks... Don't do a pre-fab coop. If your coop aint built, build it now. And cover the brooder. My first go around, I went out to the brooder to find it empty and 25 turkey poults running around the garage. Thankfully all the doors were closed. It took almost three hours to find them all and get them back in. Then I had to quickly come up with a way to keep them in. Thankfully I had a roll of screen laying around.

Nope, no prefab. Downloaded plans and building it myself, (all the materials in the shop, just need to do it). Thanks much.

 

[robcam817]

Can't believe these little guys are only 2 weeks old. They've at least doubled in size and just seem so much older/bigger than the day I took them out of that USPS shipping box...;-)

Can't imagine where they're gonna be in another 2 weeks. Had no idea I'd be so 'into' these birds. I originally only cared about gettin fresh eggs but now it's so much more than that. Go figure...

 

[rjohns39]

It's amazing how quickly you become attached.

 

[robcam817]

I put some hemp bedding down today and they're already 'dusting' themselves...;-)

 

[NonnasBabies]

Welcome!

 

[robcam817]

Welcome!

Thanks!

 

[robcam817]

Chicks, (Black Australorps) are about 6 weeks now. We live in NW Montana, nightime temps are around 50 degrees, (daytimes are +70). Is it OK to move them outside? I have 2 plate warmers in their brooder.

 

[rjohns39]

Chicks, (Black Australorps) are about 6 weeks now. We live in NW Montana, nightime temps are around 50 degrees, (daytimes are +70). Is it OK to move them outside? I have 2 plate warmers in their brooder.

Likely yes. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't use the warmers.

 

[robcam817]

Likely yes. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't use the warmers.

Much thx. My wife will be thrilled to have her kitchen back...;-). Should I throw a tarp/cover over them at night?