New newbie

[khite827]

We just got 6 baby chicks, just starting out. 2 speckled sussex, 2 barred rock, 2 silver lace wyandotte. They're all "supposed" to be pullets. I wouldn't mind 1 roo... How can I sex them when they're old enough? And what is old enough? Also when can I start giving greens or other "treats"? Anyone in the southwest florida area by any chance? We are looking to move there but unsure of what the laws are regarding chickens.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under khite827

Welcome & Congratulations!

I recommend a visit to the Learning Centre; lots of good tips there: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

With regards to sexing your little ones, if you post some individual pictures on the Breed & Gender Forum when they are approximately 5-6 weeks old, you should get some opinions on gender: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/15/what-breed-or-gender-is-this

If you have any questions specific to the raising of your little ones, the Raising Baby Chicks Forum is a good place to ask them: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/11/raising-baby-chicks

Or if anyone is showing signs of illness or you are at all concerned, this is a link to the ER Forum: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

With regards to treats, that was a recent Topic of the Week and you might find this thread helpful: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1161068/topic-of-the-week-feeding-treats

Good luck!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also pop in and say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[Dayrel]

Welcome to BYC. I'd hold off on giving treats for a week or two. Just feed them chick crumbles for now.

They likely haven't eaten any grit yet which helps with digesting the alternate foods. That will also give them a chance to learn what their main food is. Finally, if the chicks have any problems early, you won't waste any time trying to figure out if food is a contributing factor.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice and links already from Teila, so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

You could post on the Florida thread and ask what areas allow backyard chickens?