Newbie here, have a few questions

[Calebs Acre]

Be sure to check and see if you have any "minimum purchase" requirements for chicks. Here in NY, you have to buy a minimum of six chicks at a time. They feel it is in the best interest of the chickens...warmth, etc.

My understanding of free range is that they chickens are not kept in hatching pens/nests where they are unable to move about freely. As everyone else says, they make great late night snacks for every predator you mentioned and then some!

As for breeds, I've only had bantum cochins, Mille Fleurs, Jersey Giants and Buff Orphingtons, so I don't have much experience to give an opinion.

Sounds like a great project you are undertaking!

 

[jadell]

Sounds like you're gonna end up getting two at both places! I think you'll be just as happy with four as you would with three. Don't want that first one to be lonely! Thought I might as well steer you in our direction.

 

[m2wandc]

Quote:
I have thought of it, but I really want the chickens to be happy and I think having a larger space to roam would make them happier then in a run...my kids have soo many other places to play on our property, I think hosing off the play equipment shouldn't be too tough on the occasions they want to play in there. The space that we could build a run and coop that is safe from the dogs and wild animals just wouldn't be that big...what amount of space do you guys think 2 or 3 chickens need to be happy hens?

The play area that is fenced is about 1000 square feet, but the kids have about 5 acres of fenced back yard with plenty of toys to roam & explore and then they have 20+ fenced acres around that they can roam supervised (because that is where the wild animals come into play)

Orignially we set the play yard up for my son who was 2 years old when I had my daughter, and I wanted him to stay closer to the house, since he likes to 'explore', but now that he's 4 and my daughter is 2, we really don't use the play yard that much, more so if we have play groups over or kid parties, and in those situations, I'd give the play yard a good scrubb'n and lock the chickens up in their 'area' during those times...

at least those are my thoughts...the area where a 'run' could be built, would just be small IMHO and I'd feel badly about having space and not giving them much. I want our pets to be happy with their lives and live long healthy lives...(short of bringing them in the house...although I could see myself wanting to do so during a storm) LOL

 

[m2wandc]

Quote:
LMAO...

I was thinking that, but hubby put the kabosh to that quickly...he said TWO...and if for their safety (warmth, etc) then we could go THREE...but he would really prefer two...

 

[m2wandc]

Quote:
I did ask, both places..neither had a min requirement...although one place did mention that I should get at least two (because originally we were considering starting off really slow and getting only one)

 

[m2wandc]

were there any thoughts on getting JUST ONE on Tuesday and not getting another ONE until Friday?

Would that first one be OK for those few days alone?

 

[m2wandc]

I'm soo sorry for what must seem like silly questions, but I just can't find the answers online elsewhere...

When you pick out a baby chicks...do the black baby chicks become dark chickens and do the yellow ones become light colored chickens? If you don't know the breed, is there a way to tell SORT OF what the coloring will be later down the road?

Might be kind of fun to have a white, a blond & a dark

 

[BrackenFarms]

I ordered this netting from www.birdbgone.com it was .16 per sqft and for my 858 sqft the entire net only weighed 2 lbs so there was no need for any center support ... this keeps hawks and other predators from coming over the top...and of course chickens in. one thing to consider is the heavy breeds are low flyers because well its ovbious "they're big"

sorry the image is sideways

oh to help on chick to hen color (refering to your last post) check out http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/index.html they have descent pictures

 

[m2wandc]

Oh I do like that netting option...unfortunately I think it would be a disaster in our play yard...too many trees, tall toys, etc...(see photos on first page) But maybe I can get some of that and net off a specific area they can be in when I'm not outside and then let them roam about when I am outside??? Hmmmm lots of questions, thoughts and things to consider....

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
The thing is they grow so quickly, real quickly. So if you got one chick at point A and the chicks at point B it would be fine if they were hatched on the same day and the same age day-wise when you put them together. The problem you are going to run into with the lone chick is how unhappy it's going to be for those few days it's alone. They are very social creatures, so be ready for some loud peeping. Also, without brothers and sisters to snuggle with you'll need to be vigilant about keeping it warm. You can offer a clean feather duster to help with the loneliness.
For space, you'll should plan on at least 4 sq. feet per adult standard chicken. Twice that for their run area unless you are free ranging.