Maine

[lazy gardener]

Morning all. Chickies are 2 weeks old, and way over due to move outside. Today's the day. Should have done it last week, for sure, but been too busy!!! They're flitting around like big parakeets with their new flight feathers. Gonna start fermented feed also. I've been putting that off as well. But... this upcoming week is going to be a bit less stressful.

Planning to go to the Fedco Tree sale on Friday!!!! My orchard trees are all budding nicely, though the Manchurian Apricots are slow, and are supposed to be early budders. Waiting for my grafted pear to decide if the graft is going to take. (did that on Monday).

 

[BrieCheese23]

Just got the outside brooder set up! No more super messy ducks. It's still kind of wet, but everyone fits in there and so far they aren't all huddled together like they're cold at least they weren't when I checked on them an hour ago. 10 ducks, 8 cotunix, and 26 chicks (mutt bantams, D'uccles, Wyandottes, Barred Rocks, and Rhode Island Reds). We'll see if I need a second lamp in there when the temperature drops tonight. I have a feeling I'll spend more time checking on them than sleeping xD



On a random note, does anybody know if Mandarin ducks are legal to own in Maine? I'd love to get some eggs to raise for meat for myself and for selling the eggs online to help cover my poutlry costs (6 eggs runs from $50-$80 from what I've seen

), but I don't want to be breaking any laws!

 

[VardoChicken]

Orust Hona chicks hatching today!
Reputation - Bright, inquisitive, great cold-hardy foragers - and eventually, SPECKLED LEGS!!
Can't wait to pull them out of the incubator.

 

[wabbit1964]

Morning all. Chickies are 2 weeks old, and way over due to move outside. Today's the day. Should have done it last week, for sure, but been too busy!!! They're flitting around like big parakeets with their new flight feathers. Gonna start fermented feed also. I've been putting that off as well. But... this upcoming week is going to be a bit less stressful.

I am wondering about moving my chicks born April 13-14th outside. They are flying up onto the sides of the playpen I have them in I just worry because the temps here in Western Maine dip so low some nights.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I hatch in mid-winter and my birds go outside around 4 to 6 weeks without heat but I have a process for acclimating. I only use a heat lamp indoors (it's about 65 degrees in the basement where I brood) for 10-14 days inside, then they're mostly feathered. I give them 22% protein food and lots of good protein snacks, so they feather quickly. Depending on what yours look like at 3 weeks you probably have at least another week to go before setting them out without heat. Hopefully they're without heat now in the house? If not they're definitely not ready to go outside. I have 3 day old chicks in the coop right now, but they've got mom to keep them warm. If you've got a heat lamp (safely) ready to go outdoors, they'd be fine.

 

[wabbit1964]

I hatch in mid-winter and my birds go outside around 4 to 6 weeks without heat but I have a process for acclimating. I only use a heat lamp indoors (it's about 65 degrees in the basement where I brood) for 10-14 days inside, then they're mostly feathered. I give them 22% protein food and lots of good protein snacks, so they feather quickly. Depending on what yours look like at 3 weeks you probably have at least another week to go before setting them out without heat. Hopefully they're without heat now in the house? If not they're definitely not ready to go outside. I have 3 day old chicks in the coop right now, but they've got mom to keep them warm. If you've got a heat lamp (safely) ready to go outdoors, they'd be fine.

Thanks!

 

[BrieCheese23]

I am wondering about moving my chicks born April 13-14th outside. They are flying up onto the sides of the playpen I have them in I just worry because the temps here in Western Maine dip so low some nights.

I just moved my three week old chicks and two week old ducklings outside. I put up putting plastic around the brooder with about 4in to prevent drafts but keep ventilation. Ended up putting two lamps in there when it dropped to 30 degrees, one 250 watt bulb and 100 watt bulb. Everyone is happy now.

 

[lazy gardener]

I am wondering about moving my chicks born April 13-14th outside. They are flying up onto the sides of the playpen I have them in I just worry because the temps here in Western Maine dip so low some nights.

It depends entirely on your set up. Also depends on how many chicks you have. (more chicks = more shared body heat) I use a heating pad brooder. They are in the 4 x 8' loft level of a cattle panel coop. I put one storm window panel in the end window yesterday. The other window of the loft is open, with tarp extending out about 8' past that window, so there will be some solar gain in that area, not as chilling with any air that does enter that end. They go under the heating pad as needed to warm up, and then are out running around. They are a bit fluffed up. IMO, chicks are a lot like home grown seedlings. They need to be hardened off to outdoor temps gradually. But, if we keep in mind that broody hatched chicks only have heat when they are tucked under Mama, and otherwise are hustling around behind her scratching up some tasty grub, we are less likely to coddle them by keeping them too warm for too long. That's the beauty of using a heating pad. It provides a warm dark cozy spot (similar to the underside of a hen). They duck under the pad to warm up, then they are out running around in the ambient outside temps until they feel the need to warm up again. They also benefit from not being under glaring light from a heat lamp 24/7. They are used to natural day/night light rhythms. Some heat lamp raised chicks go into a total panic when the lights go out! IMO, much less stressful for them. They purr or trill themselves to sleep at night. Never heard that with chicks under a heat lamp. Ok, I'll get off my MHP soap box now.

After a few days of acclimation in the loft, when they look more comfortable, I'll open up that pop door and let them have access to the entire 8 x 8 lower level.

 

[frg34]

Was looking for 2-4 really good egg producers (red sex link) to sneak under a broody hen. Anyone in Midcoast have any tips? Stopped by TSC in Brunswick and they are done with their ISA browns already.

 

[Hiltonizer]

Was looking for 2-4 really good egg producers (red sex link) to sneak under a broody hen. Anyone in Midcoast have any tips? Stopped by TSC in Brunswick and they are done with their ISA browns already.

I have some pushing 3 weeks old.... little big to stick "under" her but she may take them in. $2/ea... I'm a little upland though in South China, about 20 minutes from Augusta up Rt 3.