question about baby chicks

[Angierob]

so I am working hard on my coop but I am very anxious to go get my chickens. I have seen some beautiful ones at tractor supply today and a friend of mine has offered me some of theirs. I think my coop and run will be completed by Sunday.

If I get chicks from tractor supply--I have the exact same container they had them in except mine is plastic..I have a lamp--but need to buy the red bulb, water and feeder, and pine shavings.. How long do they stay in brooder?

If it is a while--they will need to be in the house--I have a 10 year old mild but spoiled siamese cat--should I be concerned?? I do work 4 days a week.

If the coop is ready--in 2 days could they go out there?? I have electricity out there so I could keep them warm...

Should I buy small chicks or should I buy hens and roosters from someone?

I'm betting I couldn't do both huh? I am anxious for eggs--that is why I want older hens but I love the thought of raising from small to adult....especially since I have 3 year old grandsons and really want these chickens to be friendly...

Any feedback appreciated! thanks Angie

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Staying in the brooder varies...Mine stay in there for about 2 months (though they move to a bigger one at 1 month) and then out into the coop. Some start them right off in the coop. So it really depends on what works for you.

I'd put a cover over the brooder (strong enough to support the cat's weight.) or MAKE SURE the door is closed and the CAT IS OUT of the brooder room...especially if you are going to be gone.

If you are going to be done in 2 days...I'd wait 2 days. It would be pretty scary for chicks to move and then 2 days later move again.

Small chicks are DEFINITELY worth not having eggs right away, at least in my opinion, and you grandson will LOVE them. My 2 year old LOVES the chicks and chickens a like...and even knows one by name! (She is always in the nesting box and said 2-year-old will go right to the box and say, in his 2 year old voice..."Hi Daidy!")

 

[Angierob]

thank you for that feed back... My husband said they can stay in the house upstairs in the office..It's not heated but thats ok cause the coop wouldn't be either....I would depend on the heat lamp. My upstairs is unfinished except the office and he only turns the heat on when he's in there.. Still I think I will go with chicks to get to know them and socialize them..I will have to ask how old they are when I go to tractor supply..they were so cute...

 

[Chicks Galore3]

Oh I wanted to take every single one home!!! Including the ducklings.











Just a couple of my babies to get you itchin' even more!

 

[bstromgren]

Its getting warm enough here in southern Iowa that I kicked my month old chicks out of the back porch today and into the chicken house. I had been decreasing their heat and they had none last night. Depending on where you live, it is probably warm enough in the hen house for them if it isn't breezy inside and they have a light. Our tractor supply has only "hatchery choice" chicks, so you don't know exactly what breed you are getting. That didn't work for me, so I bought chicks elsewhere. My new ones are less than a week old and are on the unheated porch with their clear heat lamp. They are doing very well. You could always do both. Buy some chicks and also get a couple of mature hens for more timely eggs.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

so I am working hard on my coop but I am very anxious to go get my chickens. I have seen some beautiful ones at tractor supply today and a friend of mine has offered me some of theirs. I think my coop and run will be completed by Sunday.

If I get chicks from tractor supply--I have the exact same container they had them in except mine is plastic..I have a lamp--but need to buy the red bulb, water and feeder, and pine shavings.. How long do they stay in brooder?

If it is a while--they will need to be in the house--I have a 10 year old mild but spoiled siamese cat--should I be concerned?? I do work 4 days a week.

If the coop is ready--in 2 days could they go out there?? I have electricity out there so I could keep them warm...

Should I buy small chicks or should I buy hens and roosters from someone?

I'm betting I couldn't do both huh? I am anxious for eggs--that is why I want older hens but I love the thought of raising from small to adult....especially since I have 3 year old grandsons and really want these chickens to be friendly...

Any feedback appreciated! thanks Angie

I've always brooded my chicks in the coop that will be theirs as adults. I run a long power cord out to it, rig up the light and there they go. They always know that particular coop is home (I always have three since I like to make sure I have enough room for everyone.

As for chicks versus hens, that is a personal choice. I've heard folks say that they feel that hens are easier on newbies since they are more hardy than chicks and can handle newbie mistakes easier. However, some enjoy the bonding experience with chicks. But if you want eggs fast, I'd go for hens first.

Now for your cat, if you decide on chicks, I would be worried until they get some size on them. I'd get some wire or screen to put over the brooding container.

 

[Angierob]

they are beautiful!!!

 

[Angierob]

I've always brooded my chicks in the coop that will be theirs as adults. I run a long power cord out to it, rig up the light and there they go. They always know that particular coop is home (I always have three since I like to make sure I have enough room for everyone.

As for chicks versus hens, that is a personal choice. I've heard folks say that they feel that hens are easier on newbies since they are more hardy than chicks and can handle newbie mistakes easier. However, some enjoy the bonding experience with chicks. But if you want eggs fast, I'd go for hens first.

Now for your cat, if you decide on chicks, I would be worried until they get some size on them. I'd get some wire or screen to put over the brooding container.

thank you for that feed back...I went ahead and got chicks today...going to try to raise them to be friendly..the coop is almost ready--hoping all this cold weather is gone.