Old-timer trying to raise some chicks again

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H

Haytokah

In the Brooder
Apr 3, 2025
3
22
26
It has been awhile since I had chickens. We have so many wild critters around here that even in locked cages, hen houses, and even in trees, the wild animals get the chickens. Since I'm retired, I thought perhaps I'll try again. Any advice on keeping the vermin away is appreciated. In the meantime, I have six little ones in a large cardboard box inside a huge dog kennel in my living room. My dogs have developed into guards so that even my 18 year old cat can't walk by without a growl or snarl. I have a small moveable chicken coop outside in my front yard. When should I move them into it? I don't know exactly how old they are since I bought them in the store, but based on their size, I would assume they were only a couple of days old when I bought them. Let's just say they are about 2 weeks old. I think two of them will be roosters, but not sure yet. Take care everyone and may God Bless you in your endeavors.
 
Haytokah said:
It has been awhile since I had chickens. We have so many wild critters around here that even in locked cages, hen houses, and even in trees, the wild animals get the chickens. Since I'm retired, I thought perhaps I'll try again. Any advice on keeping the vermin away is appreciated. In the meantime, I have six little ones in a large cardboard box inside a huge dog kennel in my living room. My dogs have developed into guards so that even my 18 year old cat can't walk by without a growl or snarl. I have a small moveable chicken coop outside in my front yard. When should I move them into it? I don't know exactly how old they are since I bought them in the store, but based on their size, I would assume they were only a couple of days old when I bought them. Let's just say they are about 2 weeks old. I think two of them will be roosters, but not sure yet. Take care everyone and may God Bless you in your endeavors.
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I’m not one to give advice yet but congrats on your retirement. And it sounds like your chicks will have great guard dogs to protect them once they’re outside!
 
Hello! I’m in a similar boat. I haven’t had chickens in a year but I’m getting some in a couple weeks. What kind of predators do you have? I recommend a chicken coop built by someone who knows what they’re doing (i.e. not me and not Tractor Supply), an apron to prevent digging predators and opportunistic feed thieves, and raccoon-proof latches. Depending on where you live and what the weather is like chicks can go outside once they are fully feathered. By then you will want them outside because the dander they produce when feathering out is…not suitable for the living room. You can put them in the tractor for an hour or so a day to start cold-hardening them if necessary and gradually increasing the time until they seem happy. Welcome to BYC!
 

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