I just joined BYC as I have just purchased 3 Puff Orpington chicks and 3 Cuckoo Marans. I went looking for chicks but decided to purchase these little ladies because they didn't look like they would very well cared for in a local feed store. Their behinds were covered (pasty butt?) and I wanted them to have a better place. I just got them all cleaned up via instructions on BYC!
Anyway, I have been reading posts on BYC for a while to learn a little, and after my experience at the feed store, I think I'll get more help here! Can anyone give me an idea of how old the chicks are? The lady couldn't tell me and I've been told everything from 3 weeks to 3 months. They also said I couldn't give them anything except the chicken starter feed for 6 months even though I see on BYC owners giving other food after 3-4 weeks of age.
The cuckoo marans are definitely older and stand just over 7 inches tall. The puff orpingtons look to be almost 6 inches tall. The all have feathers on their wings and can just lift themselves up. It was hard to hold the camera and the chick with one hand and then take the picture. Any thoughts?!
I am very excited about raising my girls. Everyone says not to do it, but I think it's going to be great!
Anyway, I have been reading posts on BYC for a while to learn a little, and after my experience at the feed store, I think I'll get more help here! Can anyone give me an idea of how old the chicks are? The lady couldn't tell me and I've been told everything from 3 weeks to 3 months. They also said I couldn't give them anything except the chicken starter feed for 6 months even though I see on BYC owners giving other food after 3-4 weeks of age.
The cuckoo marans are definitely older and stand just over 7 inches tall. The puff orpingtons look to be almost 6 inches tall. The all have feathers on their wings and can just lift themselves up. It was hard to hold the camera and the chick with one hand and then take the picture. Any thoughts?!
I am very excited about raising my girls. Everyone says not to do it, but I think it's going to be great!
and Welcome To BYC! The chicks are lucky you took them home, doesn't sound like they would have had a good future at the feed store. Chickens are a lot of fun, you'll be glad you have them, especially when those first eggs start showing up! X2 the chicks look to be 2-3 weeks old, though the Buffs are supposed to be a bigger bird, often with hatchery/ feed store birds the Marans wind up being bigger, so they may be the same age.
