New Chick's questions

[mistyt14]

We got new new chicks today a Barred Rock and a White Leghorn. I read some on here about new babies, but still have a few questions. How old do they need to be to be let out with the hens? I seen where some people put them in a brooder out with the girls to get them use to the chicks. And do they need grit and oyster shells? Also what's the average time before they start laying eggs? All our other hen's we got full grown

 

[happylittlehens]

I'm not sure about the age of putting them out with hens as this is my first time raising chicks.They are not suppose to get oyster shell until they are laying and only need grit when you start adding other things besides starter feed to their diet. And from what I've read, most hens start laying around 20 weeks of age, but some closer to a year old. Leghorns should be laying around 20 weeks, not sure about barred rock.

 

[mistyt14]

thank you we are guessing they are about a week old, so won't get anythign else for awhile. do need to get medicated food tomorrow though, have regular chicken starter for the ducks.

 

[Dawns Funy Farm]

you dont want to put them with the older hens untill they are almost the same size right now they need a heat lamp untill they are fully feathered around six to eight weeks