Newbie Chick Owner

[NM Renee]

Hello!

The coop/run is finally done and I went looking for pullets today. One place I called said they had a whole bunch of different kinds so I drove down there.

When I got to the feed store they all looked quite young despite being labeled as pullets. When I asked, the guy said they were two weeks old. I asked if they had been sexed and they said they "thought so". They did say I could bring back any roosters and get another one.

Question #1: What age chick qualifies as a pullet?

We live near Albuquerque, NM. The day time temps are in the mid-80's and the night time temps are in the low-to-mid 50's. The one wall of the roost box does get the western evening sun as the sun goes down. So it will radiate some heat for a while.

Question #2: Can I leave these guys out in their coop as long as I close them up in their roosting area to keep them warm in there overnight? Will just the three of them be able keep each other warm?

Question #3: When I close them up in the roost box at night, should I include their water and/or food since they are so young? We will let them out ASAP in the am, usually around 6am when the sun is rising.

Thanks everyone!
Renee

 

[cybercat]

Renee,

A pullet is from hatch of day one to laying then they are called a hen.

You will need a light and temps in the 90's still. Since you only have three bring them in the house and put in a smaller ares to keep it warm. Keep them draft free also. They must have food and ter all the time as chicks.

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida.

 

[debilorrah]

They need 95 degree heat in the beginning then around 80 or so when they are around 4-5 weeks. They should not go outside until they are fully feathered - no more tufts of down on them anywhere. Right now they need food and water 24/7 as they sleep on and off around the clock.