Raising My First Batch of Bantam Chicks!

[FarmerGirl101]

I just saw that you took them outside? I didn’t know that you could…maybe you can give me some tips? They are only four days old and I should wait.View attachment 4146960

You can totally do that! I take mine on little field trips but make sure to do it in a contained area. If you take them out you need to make sure they are still warm. At 4 days they are not close to being fully feathered so they can't regulate heat. I personally wait until they are about 2 weeks before I take them out so they have a little bit more feathers but it is all a personal decision as long as they are happy and warm.

 

[pecky33]

You can totally do that! I take mine on little field trips but make sure to do it in a contained area. If you take them out you need to make sure they are still warm. At 4 days they are not close to being fully feathered so they can't regulate heat. I personally wait until they are about 2 weeks before I take them out so they have a little bit more feathers but it is all a personal decision as long as they are happy and warm.

I second this and even encourage it so that your chicks can get used to the outdoors a little before they’re adults! Otherwise they may be a little more flighty (at least in my experience) when suddenly thrown outside once full-grown. But definitely make sure it’s nice and warm and not wet outside when you do their field trips!

 

[pecky33]

Maybe we can stay in touch and compare notes?

Absolutely!

 

[Senorahoney]

I second this and even encourage it so that your chicks can get used to the outdoors a little before they’re adults! Otherwise they may be a little more flighty (at least in my experience) when suddenly thrown outside once full-grown. But definitely make sure it’s nice and warm and not wet outside when you do their field trips!

Thank you guys

 

[Senorahoney]

I only have two bantam hen chicks left… the replacement chicks aren’t going to get her for another month… I didn’t want them to grow up alone. I bought four other standard chicks from the feed store here hoping that if they all grew up together, the bantams would integrate more easily into my existing group of chickens( too few to be a flock lol)one of the bantam girls is fine with the newcomers but the other one is raising such a fuss and chirping so loudly (it’s been off and on for 4 hours…she even tried to fly up over the edge of the container I have them in…(she is only 8 days old …fortunately I have screening over the top. I don’t know what to do. Should I move the two away from the other chicks or just let them ride it out. It’s only been four hours. Was this a bad idea?

 

[Senorahoney]

Absolutely!

I bought 4 standard size chicks to keep my bantam hens company and they have been “crying” all day…I think I’ve done everything I should …food water temp etc…and soft music…do you have any ideas?

 

[pecky33]

my existing group of chickens( too few to be a flock

I say there are never too few (or too many LOL) chickens to be called a flock!

she even tried to fly up over the edge of the container I have them in…(she is only 8 days old …

I think this is completely normal behavior for a chick because mine did this too! So this probably doesn’t have to do with the “adding more chicks” scenario. They like testing put their wings (even super young!). I mean, sure it’s possible she’s a little extra stressed and wants some more space, but she should settle and be okay eventually. I would definitely try to move them to a bigger brooder if you can, though! This may help them integrate better.

It’s only been four hours.

How have they been acting now? Unless there’s harsh pecking or blood, they should be fine together.

the other one is raising such a fuss and chirping so loudly

I would just double-check for no other problems this chick could be experiencing (I’m sure you probably already know about these @Senorahoney but I’ll list them in case): pasty butt, no food or water, hurt or bleeding, or too cramped.



Anyway, hope this helps! These are just suggestions! I’m no expert!

 

[pecky33]

I bought 4 standard size chicks to keep my bantam hens company and they have been “crying” all day…I think I’ve done everything I should …food water temp etc…and soft music…do you have any ideas?

First off, can you share some pictures? Also, how large is the age gap between the standards and the bantams?

Also also! Are particular breeds doing the screaming? My Millie Fleur D’Uccle chicks were/can be (now 3 1/2 weeks old) very loud and complain-y! This is my first time having this breed though, soooo.

Any ideas @MillietheHen @MilliFlock2 @MillersFarm ?

 

[Senorahoney]

I say there are never too few (or too many LOL) chickens to be called a flock!


I think this is completely normal behavior for a chick because mine did this too! So this probably doesn’t have to do with the “adding more chicks” scenario. They like testing put their wings (even super young!). I mean, sure it’s possible she’s a little extra stressed and wants some more space, but she should settle and be okay eventually. I would definitely try to move them to a bigger brooder if you can, though! This may help them integrate better.


How have they been acting now? Unless there’s harsh pecking or blood, they should be fine together.


I would just double-check for no other problems this chick could be experiencing (I’m sure you probably already know about these @Senorahoney but I’ll list them in case): pasty butt, no food or water, hurt or bleeding, or too cramped.



Anyway, hope this helps! These are just suggestions! I’m no expert!

Thanks Pecky
My plan is to put them in a tent in my house so that I can go and play with them and they have room to run around and play…I have to figure out some toys though…I put a plastic little egg in there and they hid from it lol

 

[Senorahoney]

Thanks Pecky
My plan is to put them in a tent in my house so that I can go and play with them and they have room to run around and play…I have to figure out some toys though…I put a plastic little egg in there and they hid from it lol

There hasn’t been any pecking or blood ,lots of dog piling though…it’s kinda cute…the fussy one is a whitecrested polish bantam…I’m gonna name her Phyllis…maybe you’re too young g to know Phyllis Diller the comedian…