Hi all! I'm new to raising chickens. Three weeks ago we got 10, day old Barred Plymouth Rock chicks. Ultimately, I want a small flock of 6 hens and 1 rooster, but after reading some horror stories in different places online about chicks arriving dead, or dying in the next 24 to 48 hours, I thought I'd order a couple extra females, and one extra male. The way my luck runs sometimes, if any of them had died, it would have been the roo if I only ordered one! As it turns out, 3 weeks later, everyone is healthy and thriving. Not a single case of pasty butt, and no signs of anything else being amiss. I guess I'll have to find a home for the other roo eventually.
We had these chicks in a large tote on our enclosed back porch, but they quickly outgrew it. We built a temporary brooder up in the chicken house and moved them there today. At last check, it was too hot in there, (some were panting) so I unplugged their light, and will go plug it back in before dark. They still need some heat with our nights generally in the 60's, I think.
We plan, once they are a bit older, to build them a run with a top on it to keep the hawks from carrying them off. Once they are big enough for that to not be a worry, we'll turn them out to free range during the day.
I chose this breed, because it was the breed my parents had, and I knew them to be docile, social, great layers, great foragers, and just a darned pretty chicken!
Eventually, we plan to raise chickens for meat as well, but for now, getting the hang of it with layers is plenty.
Looking forward to learning from those who have taken the chicken plunge before me.
We had these chicks in a large tote on our enclosed back porch, but they quickly outgrew it. We built a temporary brooder up in the chicken house and moved them there today. At last check, it was too hot in there, (some were panting) so I unplugged their light, and will go plug it back in before dark. They still need some heat with our nights generally in the 60's, I think.
We plan, once they are a bit older, to build them a run with a top on it to keep the hawks from carrying them off. Once they are big enough for that to not be a worry, we'll turn them out to free range during the day.
I chose this breed, because it was the breed my parents had, and I knew them to be docile, social, great layers, great foragers, and just a darned pretty chicken!
Eventually, we plan to raise chickens for meat as well, but for now, getting the hang of it with layers is plenty.
Looking forward to learning from those who have taken the chicken plunge before me.
Welcome to BYC!!! 
We are glad you joined our flock!
