Pulling the trigger

[Alagirl]

It's only available when you order direct from the hatchery.

which exceeds capacity by about 4 chicks (lordy I think 6 chicks for 3 people is way overkill....)

 

[3KillerBs]

which exceeds capacity by about 4 chicks (lordy I think 6 chicks for 3 people is way overkill....)

What I did was to buy about twice as many chicks as I actually wanted then sold half of them as started/point-of-lay pullets.

It didn't make a profit, but it probably broke even.

 

[Alagirl]

What I did was to buy about twice as many chicks as I actually wanted then sold half of them as started/point-of-lay pullets.

It didn't make a profit, but it probably broke even.

I could not even begin to sell them if they lay golden eggs! So we are sticking with the original number.
I hope.....

 

[Alagirl]

I was wondering how warm it had to be for chicks not to need the brooder/heater, as temps are rising, but this morning the prospected location for my brooder was reading 66 degrees.
I guess I answered my question right there.

 

[3KillerBs]

I was wondering how warm it had to be for chicks not to need the brooder/heater, as temps are rising, but this morning the prospected location for my brooder was reading 66 degrees.
I guess I answered my question right there.

They don't need heat anymore when they're fully feathered -- between 4 and 8 weeks depending on breed, acclimation, and ambient temperatures.

Most of my chicks have feathered up quickly and gone off heat around 4-4.5 weeks. One batch had two slow-feathering Black Langshan cockerels so I left moderate heat on them at night for nearly 6 weeks until they stopped huddling up looking cold.

 

[Alagirl]

when is the best time to introduce 'other than' food to them, other than the starter crumbles?

 

[rosemarythyme]

when is the best time to introduce 'other than' food to them, other than the starter crumbles?

You'll definitely get a lot of different answers, but I start at around 2 weeks in very tiny amounts, like 1-2 mealworms per chick, to help them get over their fear of our hands.

 

[3KillerBs]

I start giving them tiny bits of green stuff between 2-3 weeks.

They must have grit if they're going to eat anything but their crumble.

 

[Alagirl]

Hubby ordered me a coop.
I am sure it won't work too well, but you gotta love a man who supports your fancies!
I will eventually expand on the commercially available unit but for now I guess I will have to concede that my DIY powers are not there.

 

[Alagirl]

I build my brooder and hung a thermometer in there. it's in the shed, in the shade, door and windows open and it's 83 degrees without a heat source.
Am I asking for trouble?
the contraption is cardboard. not roof (yet - but that would be chicken wire)