New chook mama ~ advise needed please.

[Debs chooks]

Good morning
Live in the Redlands, Queensland. Winter low temps around 8 degrees.
I bought 6 chicks. They are 4 weeks old at the moment. Living in a large lawn mower box with a heat lamp , in my laundry. I live on 1/2 an acre - I have a chook pen/house shelter for night time, but plan on them being free range during the day.
The coop is between two sheds, with a large tank behind them. The coop is very sheltered - but for the front area.
Questions please
1. When can they move to outdoor house
2 when can they start exploring the garden
3. Do I need to clip their wings
4. How will they learn to get into their coop at night

?
5. When can I give them scraps (cut up small of course)
6. I do talk to them, and put my hand in the box, but don't pick them up- will they still be very tame??? Or should I handle them more?

Thanks in advance

 

[lightchick]

Good morning
Live in the Redlands, Queensland. Winter low temps around 8 degrees.
I bought 6 chicks. They are 4 weeks old at the moment. Living in a large lawn mower box with a heat lamp , in my laundry. I live on 1/2 an acre - I have a chook pen/house shelter for night time, but plan on them being free range during the day.
The coop is between two sheds, with a large tank behind them. The coop is very sheltered - but for the front area.
Questions please
1. When can they move to outdoor house I had my chicks outside at 3.5 weeks old and the temps outside were 50 +
2 when can they start exploring the garden I'd keep them in their coop for at least a week before letting them out and I'd watch them when you do let them out.
3. Do I need to clip their wings No you don't.
4. How will they learn to get into their coop at night

? They will learn, but you'll have to watch them for awhile.
5. When can I give them scraps (cut up small of course) I give treats at all ages.
6. I do talk to them, and put my hand in the box, but don't pick them up- will they still be very tame??? Or should I handle them more?

I handle my chicks all the time. From day one to adult. Giving them treats such as raisins and grapes will help them get to know you.

Thanks in advance

Welcome to BYC!

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Generally chicks are ready to go outside permanently at around 6 weeks of age. BUT..you can take them out on field trips at any age each day. Make sure to keep it short at first, keep them in a fenced area because they can disappear easily and run fast and never leave them unattended.

Clipping the wings is never advised because this leaves them vulnerable to predators if they can't fly to get away. If you free range, you have to be willing to lose a few along the way.

When you take them out to the coop for good, lock them inside for 2 full days. This will help them bond with the coop and they will always come back to roost there. If you don't do this, they do not automatically know to go into a coop.

Usually it is best to wait until they are 6 weeks of age before you start in with the goodies. And even then, keep it down to once a day and a very small amount. About 10% of the diet can consist of other foods than their chick feed.

Handle them as much as possible. Get them out on the living room floor for play time. They will bond with you quick this way.

Stop by our learning center for lots of good articles on all the aspects of keeping poultry....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Enjoy this new adventure you are on and welcome to our flock!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

Chicks are ready to be outside once they are fully feathered. (Around 8 weeks.) Like Twocrows said, they can be outside each day though. Keep them in a safe in-closer or be with them all the time as chicks are a tasty meal for really any predator. Plus they could always run away.

Unless you have small bantams, chickens don't usually fly. You can clip their wings but it isn't really necessary when it comes to standard, heavy breeds. Don't clip both of them as they will just be able to overcome it and fly up. Only clip them on one wing. But like Twocrows mentioned, if they free range they won't be able to escape easily without their ability to fly.

If they aren't free ranging then they will be able to find their way home just fine as they will be in a run. However, if they free range then confine them to their coop for at least two days.

You can give them simple foods such as oatmeal, eggs, quinoa and corn at an early age. Once they reach about 4-6 weeks they can start eating other table scraps. Keep in mind that baby birds don't usually take interest in treats until about 8-10 weeks.

When they are young hold them, cuddle and talk to them. Once they get to the teenage age, encourage them to follow you outside and hand feed them. Continue to hold them each day.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good advice and links above, X4 on be sure to check out the Learning Center.

 

[Michael OShay]

G'day, and welcome to BYC! You've received some very good information from other BYC members. This is the place to be when you own chickens. What kind of chicks do you have?

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us!

 

[gander007]

Alright

great to have you joining the BYC flock

BYC has a very useful learning center

You really should not clip the wings as the short flights are a defense straggly and the only way to get away from dogs and cats in most cases ..


Here are some 3 week old chicks I put outside and having mashed
up hard boiled egg's for breakfast ..

gander007

 

[drumstick diva]

You were given great advice from 2Crows and Mountain peeps, so I will just say Very glad you joined the flock