Need Help/suggestions

[Swflchickman]

New to raising chickens and need some advice. I have 8 chicks that are now 4 weeks old as of the 28th. I still have them in the original brooder I built but they are getting TOO BIG. Are they too young to put in their adult coop, should I build something in the mean time, etc?? We are in FL and it rains everyday like clockwork so I don't want my gals to get wet either. Any suggestions would be so so appreciated!!!

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us!

Sounds like you are going to need something to put them in, or at least a way to keep them separated from the rest of the older flock, until they are a little older.

Some possible options:
build a bigger brooder
find something else that will act as a bigger brooder
section off part of your garage or coop for the younger chicks

In the past, we have also used a large stock tank with a screen over top, or an extra large dog crate. Then we placed the tank/crate in the coop with the rest of the flock so they could at least see each other, but not touch. That way when it came time to integrating them, they were already familiar with each other.

 

[skyhunter08]

Hi I am new to byc but have a year in now and up to about 60 birds. My sons class hatched 8 bantam. I read many posts from here and got advice from our feed store and other chicken. Lovers. I had a broader with the heat lamp and all and followed all the advice. They all turned out great. Moving to get big egg layers and all birds since I followed the same routine till about 2 to 3 weeks. After that I really let them tell me there needs. I found they act much like in the wild but as great pets. As my breeder said if they are fast enough to run from the adult hens you can introduce them. I of course supervised but it works every time. I have put them together as soon as 1.5 to 2 months old with my 1 year old large hens. I I am also hatching a few at a time when a hen goes broody. 99% hatch rate so far. 2 weeks with heat lamp and my broader is also in the hens coop with a steady temp. They don't seem to need the lamp after 2 weeks. They huddle together if needed.
I also keep youngsters introduced often this way they all grow up together and help each other out.
I have over 60 birds of all ages and 5 are roo's and they get along great. I have adopted a few also with no integration issues. The more they rely on a heat lamp and constant Temps they don't develop resistance to cold and hot tea changes. I live in CO. And we have Temps from 20 to 90 through the year. All my chickens are fairing well.
Again this is my opinion and experience. Thanks to all the people on byc for all your advice. This is such a great site.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you do not have adults in the coop, your chicks are old enough to go in the adult coop in your climate. Just put them out there and leave them locked in the coop section. It should be bigger than the brooder so they will love it plus they will consider it as home after spending a week locked in there. As long as the run fencing is tight enough that they cannot squeeze through the openings you can let them out after a week in their coop.

Once they are fully feathered out (and yours should be at that age) rain really doesn’t bother them. Mine love to walk in the rain, probably looking for worms that the rain forces out of the ground. Provide a place they can get out of the rain if they want to and they should be fine. If the wind is blowing they generally don’t like that but just a rain, no problem.

If you do have adult chickens, you have an integration to do. From your post I don’t think you do but if you already have adults out there get back with us and we can discuss that. As long as you have a lot of room it should not be a big problem but there are some tricks you can use to help that process along. If space is tight, then you have to be more careful.