New gal on the farm

[agapemeanslove]

I grew up in New Hampshire suburbia, so this is pretty new for me. My grandparents had chickens for a few years and I loved staying the summer to help care for them. Now I'm living on 3 acres in South Carolina and I want to try it on my own. Picking up 15 Rhode Island Reds today around three o'clock. They're 9 days old now. I've got chick starter, pine shavings and a waterer in an indoor box for now, and an outdoor coop ready for when they grow bigger (when is the proper time to let them stay outside?). I'm mainly doing this as a hobby, and for the fresh eggs. So, Hi everyone!~

-Min

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

The Learning Center is a great place to start: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Chicks can handle cooler temperatures once they have their feathers in. I've put chicks outside when they were 12 weeks old.

Glad you joined!

 

[ronmauldin]

Welcome from the Ocean State! They shouldn't be put outside until they are feathered. That is about 4-6 weeks, depending on the breed.

 

[agapemeanslove]

Thanks! Will all the chicks' downy feathers fall out and new ones grow in their place?

My grandparents lived in RI for YEARS. That's where my whole family is from, and where they taught me the basics of small farm life. <3 New England has my heart

 

[agapemeanslove]

Thanks! I guess it will vary depending on the birds as to the week number.

-Min

 

[cluckcluckgirl]

Yep, the fluff will fall out as the feathers replace it.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Always a great day when it involves picking up new chicks!! As they grow in the next few weeks, they will lose all that downy fuzz and grow their feathers. Take about 5 full weeks to get them all in. Here is a good thread on raising your new chicks for the first 2 months....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

Enjoy your new babies and welcome to our flock!

 

[agapemeanslove]

Really helpful link!!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your new chicks!

 

[gander007]