Hi everyone- First, I must say this site caught my attention just two days ago but I am already IN LOVE with it. I have spent a lot of time reading and looking around, and I am surprised at the friendliness and information. I thought I'd start off by introduceing myself. My name is Sarah Beth, and I'm from NC. I have had experince with chickens before- I have taken several Animal Science classes and feel like I have good knowlege of general chicken care and requirements. I have also visited several breeders and barns where I have had hands-on experince careing for laying hens.
I purchases two Bantam pullets on Saturday, each are under a week old. So far they are staying in a 2ft by 2 1/2ft box in my garage with a heating lamp, food, and water. I am not that familar with the breed, so if anyone has any information about them it would be greatly appreciated. I understand that they are typically smaller than most birds, and would like to know an estimate of how big they will get. Since we plan on using them as laying hens, does anyone know what their average egg size is (dumb question, I know)? Also, since they are smaller will their required coop space be smaller than average chickens as well? Would you suggest a coop that is completely closed in or one that perhaps has mesh on one or more sides?
We have a run made that I would like to allow the chickens in as much as possible- my hope is to allow them the choice of being outside or in the coop during the day (if the weather is reasonable) and if someone is home to keep an eye on them, and put them up during the night. Would this be good for them, or too much time outside?
I will be keeping them at my house, but this summer I would like to transport them to my barn for a month while we have horse summer camps so that the kids can work with them a bit. Since I am hopeing to keep them outdoors as much as possible and will be transporting them, what are your thoughts on vaccinations?
Sorry for all the questions- I thought I had everything covered before I got them, but that all changed once I got them home! lol
I purchases two Bantam pullets on Saturday, each are under a week old. So far they are staying in a 2ft by 2 1/2ft box in my garage with a heating lamp, food, and water. I am not that familar with the breed, so if anyone has any information about them it would be greatly appreciated. I understand that they are typically smaller than most birds, and would like to know an estimate of how big they will get. Since we plan on using them as laying hens, does anyone know what their average egg size is (dumb question, I know)? Also, since they are smaller will their required coop space be smaller than average chickens as well? Would you suggest a coop that is completely closed in or one that perhaps has mesh on one or more sides?
We have a run made that I would like to allow the chickens in as much as possible- my hope is to allow them the choice of being outside or in the coop during the day (if the weather is reasonable) and if someone is home to keep an eye on them, and put them up during the night. Would this be good for them, or too much time outside?
I will be keeping them at my house, but this summer I would like to transport them to my barn for a month while we have horse summer camps so that the kids can work with them a bit. Since I am hopeing to keep them outdoors as much as possible and will be transporting them, what are your thoughts on vaccinations?
Sorry for all the questions- I thought I had everything covered before I got them, but that all changed once I got them home! lol