Ornamental Layers will arrive in April.

[chuck maddox]

I've raised and shown fancy pigeons for many years but always wanted chickens too. I finally decided upon the ornamental layer collection from Murray Macmurray. I am hoping to get some crested varieties in my order. I will be building my coop in the next few weeks and trying to learn as much as I can before my new arrivals get here. I plan to socialize my birds as much as possible and hope my two chihuahuas will be accepting as well. Questions? 1) why are cedar shavings toxic in the coop? 2) I plan on using a tub brooder with an infrared heat lamp. Anything I should know when using this type of brooder. 3). How many square feet of outside area should I enclose per bird? Thanks in advance for your replies!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your new chicks!
Cedar, especially, has aromatic compounds that are known irritants of the skin and respiratory system, birds seem to be sensitive to them, fresh chips (that nice smell) are worst, and it does seem to gradually disappear with time, but most people just avoid them.
Make sure the brooder has enough room for hot and cooler spots, so that the chicks can get away from the heat if they need to. You will need a lid for the brooder (screen) the chicks start jumping out pretty fast.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need Great article from the Learning Center on how much room you need for your chickens.. the general rule of thumb is 4 square feet per bird inside and 10 outside.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

X2 on the advice given by Kelsie.

Here is a good diagram of square inches for chicks
Up to 2 weeks: 0.5 sq ft per chick
2-4 weeks: 1 sq ft per chick
4-8 weeks: 2.5 sq ft per chick
over 8 weeks: 4 sq ft per chick

 

[drumstick diva]

Surprisingly Chihuahuas and doxies, seem to massacre birds more often than bigger breeds. Possibly because owners do not feel they are a threat. We get many new chicken folks, saying they were on a 2nd.or 3rd. flock because they dogs wiped them out. Dogs like to chase chicks because they sound like squeaky toys. The dog chases and grabs one - the squeaking stops - dead chick. Then they run to catch another.

 

[ChickyChickens]

Welocme to BYC!!! It is an aweosme forum (the BEST in the world) and has a great comminity!!! Hope you have a great time and learn A LOT!

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

I think it may be a good idea to keep the dogs and chickens separated… Enjoy your new venture!

 

[N F C]

Good morning and welcome to BYC!

You've already received some great information and advice so I'll just say 'hi' and if you have further questions, feel free to ask.

Enjoy your birds!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

I'm glad you joined our "flock".

You've received some good advice already! Good luck with your future chicks. I hope you get a wide variety in the assortment.

 

[chuck maddox]

I picked up my chicks this morning when the post office opened. It looks like I got quite an assortment so I'm very pleased so far. They are all eating and drinking well but one has a leg issue. I'm not sure if it is an injury from the trip or it is splay legged. I plan to research and see what breeds I got.