Hi there! I've got 25 chicks coming from McMurrays next week. Ordered the Ornamental Layers, hens only. I've had chickens in the past but I've never gotten chicks before. In the past I've gotten them from local feed stores, when they were young, but already had their feathers.
We're kind of "survival of the fittest" around here, I don't lock them up. (once they are adults). We plan on keeping the chicks contained until they have their feathers and then they will be free to roam. Actually, I think I have my husband convinced to let me keep them in the house for awhile.
Temperature isn't an issue here, but predators are..but unfortunately not much I can do except keep them in cages until they are big enough to roost...and even at that the attrition rate can be high depending upon whether or not I have a young family of Bobcats living nearby or not.
Can you tell I'm worried about them already? And FYI: in FL, it's not just night-time predators, I've actually lost more chicks over the years during the day then I have at night.
I'll be pouring over this site for info in the days ahead. I thank everyone in advance for any stupid questions I may have.
We're kind of "survival of the fittest" around here, I don't lock them up. (once they are adults). We plan on keeping the chicks contained until they have their feathers and then they will be free to roam. Actually, I think I have my husband convinced to let me keep them in the house for awhile.
I'll be pouring over this site for info in the days ahead. I thank everyone in advance for any stupid questions I may have.
