Preparing for my first time raising baby chicks

[StinkyAcres]

Built them a run that is covered on all sides with a box going to slowly let them it for short periods in the next week.

Looks great. They will love it.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

Let the chicks out for short time before putting back in coop. Rowdy was watching while guarding them. First dirt bath for some and they enjoyed being in the covered box. With wood that flips with netting for access and protection once closed.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

5 week up date of chicks in run some starting to feather, some in the box. Going to expand the run soon giving them additional room.

 

[StinkyAcres]

They are looking great!

 

[Chicken_man_J]

They are looking great!

Thank you. Question being this is my first time brooding and raising them until they can free range. From what I have researched and read was they should be able to free range in the back yard that is fenced with access to the trailer coop I built around 10 -12 weeks. Additionally, the laying hens I previously had knew to go in the coop at dusk. They had access to water 24/7 and I fed them in the morning and took it away so squirrels couldn't eat too. Will these chicks have the inclination to return the coop at night so I can lock it? I have been returning them to the coop around the same time every night.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Thank you. Question being this is my first time brooding and raising them until they can free range. From what I have researched and read was they should be able to free range in the back yard that is fenced with access to the trailer coop I built around 10 -12 weeks. Additionally, the laying hens I previously had knew to go in the coop at dusk. They had access to water 24/7 and I fed them in the morning and took it away so squirrels couldn't eat too. Will these chicks have the inclination to return the coop at night so I can lock it? I have been returning them to the coop around the same time every night.

They likely will go in by themselves. But if not, lock them inside for up to a few days. I would be afraid that feeding only in the mornings is not enough. I would feed at least twice a day or get/build a treadle feeder. I built a simple wooden treadle feeder for my ducks and the squirrels and birds no longer steal their food.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

They likely will go in by themselves. But if not, lock them inside for up to a few days. I would be afraid that feeding only in the mornings is not enough. I would feed at least twice a day or get/build a treadle feeder. I built a simple wooden treadle feeder for my ducks and the squirrels and birds no longer steal their food.

Should I build one that fits inside the coop? If I were going to purchase one any recommendations? In addition to squirrels, will this keep out rats?Will this keep out rats Should They have access to food even when they are older laying age? Someone previously told me on my prior hens to feed in the morning or early afternoon.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Should I build one that fits inside the coop? If I were going to by one any recommendations? Should They have access to food even when they are older laying age? Someone previously told me on my prior hens to feed in the morning or early afternoon.

Treadle feeders do need to be placed in a covered area, whether it's inside the coop or in the run depends on your preferences and when the chickens are let outside in the mornings. I'm not able to recommend a treadle feeder as I've never bought one, but I know @Al Gerhart makes a treadle feeder and he's done research and tried multiple iterations to create one that works.

You will get different opinions on feeding. I and many others here like to have feed available to chickens of all ages all hours of the day. My chickens go from foraging to eating their feed and back to foraging throughout the day. And in inclement weather they stay inside more and eat more chicken feed.

 

[StinkyAcres]

In addition to squirrels, will this keep out rats?

Yes, a good treadle feeder will keep out rats.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I built one similar to this for my ducks:https://project.theownerbuildernetwork.co/files/2017/01/Treadle-Chicken-Feeder-09.jpg

It holds a bowl of feed so I can remove and clean it easily. I can get some photos of mine later if you'd like.