New Chicken owner seeking information

[whitey4303]

Hello everyone, I am a new chicken owner. I have been researching about chickens a lot lately seeing that I have a pre existing coop. I am building new nest boxes and roosts and have a fenced in run. Anyways I'll cut to the chase. I currently have 3 Golden Comets 3 Amberlinks. I wanted 6 Rhode Islands for duel purpose but my father in law is also in on the chicken owning and wanted these ones.

I have a couple of questions so I figured I'd start with this one. Does it hurt to be pecked by a chick? I have yet to be pecked but I have a 4 year old who wants to help daddy and I dont want him turned off with it. I love when he helps dad and I would like to make it fun for all of us.

I am also wondering about Rhode Islands. Currently in my area, there are some Straight Run assorted reds available and I want Rhode Island pullets. So I have about 3 weeks till I know I can get them. Would it be ok to mix 3 week old chicks with day old reds? And will these birds get along ok in the coop with the age/breed differences?

Well thank you all who read this and provide advice. I appreciate the help and look forward to my chicken experience!

 

[Chickenteacher]

no, it doesn't hurt and yes, you can mix eventually.....the day olds will need a few weeks under a warmer light, which the 3 week olds won't need....tool around here on the site and you'll learn a lot!

 

[Bat Cave Silkies]

A peck feels more like a light pinch, because the beak is not sharp. BUT---and I can't stress this enough---you MUST be extremely cautious with your four year old. Even the tamest, nicest, hens cannot be trusted around a small child. Think of the childs height---your sons eyes are close to the hens; chickens LOVE shiny objects, and though they would mean no harm, they may peck at your sons eyes.
And roosters---don't get me started on them. My 29 year old son still has a scar beside his right eye from a rooster.

You can mix the ages when they are closer in size; if you mix them now, the big ones will pick on the little ones mercilessly.

Good luck.

 

[omelet du fromage]

At this point, I'm more worried about my kids hurting the chicks by handling them too roughly.

 

[whitey4303]

Ok thanks everyone. From what I have read I am thinking that I will have my son wear safety goggles so this way they cant peck him. But thanks so much everyone and Im glad I have stumbled onto these boards to this way I can get newbie help!!! I know he loves the chicks and dying to hold them but I didnt want him to get turned off so maybe ill have him hand feed them in the brooder. thanks again and im excited about my new pets.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

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