- Mar 19, 2010
- 9
- 0
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Hello BYC! I so completely new to this chicken stuff and when I say new, I mean new! I have pullets and cockerels putting on feathers in a shed even as we speak! I got them about 2 weeks ago and boy are they fun! Pullets: 3 white leghorns, 3 rhode island reds, 1 (unsure but is buff colored and hoping for an orpington or an ameraucana), and 4 strait runs out of a fryer box... I might have to post some pics later to see if anyone can give me ideas on those breeds.
My husband of 12 yrs and I decided that having chickens would be a good source of healthy fresh eggs, assist in our new gardening endeavors and possible meat supply (hope we don't ever have need of it). We have 3 wonderful kids working with us on this very beneficial asset to our little town farm. Ok, so we decide to build a chicken tractor because we live in city limits and have a dog and a cat and a decent sized yard. It is now complete and waiting for my chickens to get fully/more feathered (also will post pic later). I've had them for 2 wks now and I have so many questions, because I really don't know what I'm doing here. I have been online sooo much seeking info and this site has been extremely helpful. I'm hoping to get to pick some experienced brains here. Right now, my main ones are...
-When should I put them out in their tractor? They have some feathers but are about 3 wks. old and their little heads are fuzzy still and have little baby feathers sticking out everywhere. Oh, and nights are down to mid 30's to 40's and days range from 55 to 65.
-Should I be adding a variety to their diet already? I threw some chick weed in there this morning and they devoured it! But then read online that if you give them too much (greens) it can cause runny stools... oops, none I can see yet, should I be worried?
So there you go, I am so looking forward to your answers. I know the questions may seem elementary, but to me... I just haven't found a set rule on those two concerns.
Thanks in advance for your help/responses,
Tina
My husband of 12 yrs and I decided that having chickens would be a good source of healthy fresh eggs, assist in our new gardening endeavors and possible meat supply (hope we don't ever have need of it). We have 3 wonderful kids working with us on this very beneficial asset to our little town farm. Ok, so we decide to build a chicken tractor because we live in city limits and have a dog and a cat and a decent sized yard. It is now complete and waiting for my chickens to get fully/more feathered (also will post pic later). I've had them for 2 wks now and I have so many questions, because I really don't know what I'm doing here. I have been online sooo much seeking info and this site has been extremely helpful. I'm hoping to get to pick some experienced brains here. Right now, my main ones are...
-When should I put them out in their tractor? They have some feathers but are about 3 wks. old and their little heads are fuzzy still and have little baby feathers sticking out everywhere. Oh, and nights are down to mid 30's to 40's and days range from 55 to 65.
-Should I be adding a variety to their diet already? I threw some chick weed in there this morning and they devoured it! But then read online that if you give them too much (greens) it can cause runny stools... oops, none I can see yet, should I be worried?
So there you go, I am so looking forward to your answers. I know the questions may seem elementary, but to me... I just haven't found a set rule on those two concerns.
Thanks in advance for your help/responses,
Tina
