Newbie, I apologize in advance for the amount of stupid questions I will soon ask. Time from hatch t

[mmurek]

Very excited about starting to raise chickens! How long should I expect to keep my chicks in the brooder before they move to the coop? Planning on getting some Sussex and Wyandots from a local breeder a week from today, they will be fresh hatched.
Thanks in advance,
Mitch

 

[dandan111]

Your going to need to keep them warm until they have feathers. depends how big you brooder is. You might need to set up a heat lamp after you move them out. Maybe 4 or 5 weeks then start thinking about you next step. A lamp in your coop might be pretty good.
I moved mine to the barn pretty quick. i use a heat lamp all the time and a milk house heater at night.

 

[mmurek]

I am in no rush to move them, just looking for an average time that would be best for the chicks.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! You will be in a hurry to move them out, because they will be incredibly dusty and unpleasant in the house. Cute, yes; messy, for sure. Also that dust is bad to breathe. Mine go to the coop, with a heat lamp, by three weeks of age. Better for everyone. Mary

 

[mmurek]

Thanks Mary. The brooder will be in our heated barn, so mess is not a concern. The barn is heated by hot water pipes running through the concrete floor so even with our cold spring the chicks should be comfortable. I have some improvements I would like to make to the coop before I move them, not essential but to make it nicer for them.

 

[lil farm girl]

Thanks for this post! I'm brand new to chicks also (we've bought a couple of hens who were already laying before). I have no idea on baby care