So my husband & I have moved out to the country and purchased ourselves some new companions. Two weekends ago, I purchased 4 light Brahma chicks and 2 guineas. My crafty husband made the chicks a cozy brooder, we keep them warm, watered, and fed with Purina Flock Starter Crumbles. Just yesterday I introduced a perch for them to roost on, and they seem to take to it well. They seem to mingle well together, I just wonder when I should start introducing them to the outside. I am fairly certain that 2 of the Brahma chicks hatched about a few days earlier than the other 2. They double the size of their others, plus they have begun to develop feathers on their shoulders faster than the other two. Same goes for my two guineas. One guinea has more developed feathers than the other. So my question is, since there are slight variations in age, will I get away with transitioning them to the outside at the same time. I have a feeling that I am over thinking this.
Welcome to BYC You could move them all outside at the same time, but keep an eye on the younger looking ones, to see if it's warm enough out there for them. I'd wait until they are fully feathered before leaving them out overnight, but during the day, if it's warm enough and the weather's good they can start spending some time outside. I've had tiny chicks out in their "chick pen" for most of the day on warm days before and they loved it.
Hi there, and welcome! I agree with sumi. I have chicks that are 2 weeks today that I will begin transitioning outside. Just be mindful of where you are letting them out (if they're not going in to their outside coop and run). With my first chicks, I let them play around on a patch of sand on a hot day without even thinking of the heat. They peeped like crazy because it was too hot on their little feet. They'll let you know if they're not enjoying themselves. Have fun!
Greetings from Kansas, Terrisue13, and ! Great to have you aboard! Good luck on your poultry adventure!
Wonderful. I have a nice fenced off area with a coop waiting for them. And I haven't mowed the area for 3 weeks, so they are going to have a jungle to romp through. The forecast for this week is storms, so as soon as it clears I will slowly introduce them into their new home. So I can have my spare bedroom back. Thank you all for the welcoming to B.Y.C.