Rhode Island

[MollySunshine]

They have not been shipped yet but expecting them soon. Aren't they hatched with feathers?

They have down initially. They go through an awkward stage at about 10 weeks as their down is replaced with feathers. The first 10 weeks they need to be placed in a brooder with heat. Do you have this setup? After the 10 weeks they can be free ranged although in a pen for safety. The first few weeks of graduating out of the brooder and into the coop I usually don't free range. I do allow them to go into the run. In my mind, this sets up home base in their mind. After a couple of weeks of that I allow them to go out with the others. Monitored of course because that is me. I am a mother hen....I just like to know everything is going ok and there if they need me. Everyone has their own way of doing things, once they are ready to leave the brooder, I'm sure. This is what I am comfortable with.

 

[CoventryChicken]

They have down initially.  They go through an awkward stage at about 10 weeks as their down is replaced with feathers.  The first 10 weeks they need to be placed in a brooder with heat.  Do you have this setup?  After the 10 weeks they can be free ranged although in a pen for safety.  The first few weeks of graduating out of the brooder and into the coop I usually don't free range.  I do allow them to go into the run.  In my mind, this sets up home base in their mind.  After a couple of weeks of that I allow them to go out with the others.  Monitored of course because that is me. I am a mother hen....I just like to know everything is going ok and there if they need me.  Everyone has their own way of doing things, once they are ready to leave the brooder, I'm sure.  This is what I am comfortable with.    

Very informative. Thank you very much!!!! I have a 55 gallon fish tank that I plan on using. My friend said that's what they used but I'm afraid after two weeks or so it will be to small. I believe it's 4'x12.75"x21 I was thinking about using a large box from a washer machine or a fridge and lining it with a tarp. What do you think?

 

[coralbell7]

Very informative. Thank you very much!!!! I have a 55 gallon fish tank that I plan on using. My friend said that's what they used but I'm afraid after two weeks or so it will be to small. I believe it's 4'x12.75"x21 I was thinking about using a large box from a washer machine or a fridge and lining it with a tarp. What do you think?

We used a large dog crate for a brooder and covered the sides with cardboard so the fluffy butts didn't escape. It gets very dusty in the area you put them. We managed that by hanging old sheets from the ceiling

 

[MollySunshine]

Very informative. Thank you very much!!!! I have a 55 gallon fish tank that I plan on using. My friend said that's what they used but I'm afraid after two weeks or so it will be to small. I believe it's 4'x12.75"x21 I was thinking about using a large box from a washer machine or a fridge and lining it with a tarp. What do you think?

Strictly my opinion, I think it's a potential accident waiting to happen. I assume you will be using a heat lamp for the first 10 weeks to keep your chickies warm? A cardboard box, tarp (plastic) and pine shavings to me is a potential accident waiting to happen. Those lights get extremely hot. I use a big tin trough from Tractor Supply and use chicken wire on the top after a couple of weeks so they don't fly out. You would be surprised how high those tiny wings can take them! The dog crate is a good idea too. You can also use wielded wire fencing to cover the sides of the crate so the chickes don't get through.

 

[peopleRanimals2]

I used a dog crate after my chicks got too big for the plastic tub that we were using. If it's warm outside, I also used to bring one or two chicks outside to let them explore before they were fully feathered. XD They loved it!

 

[peopleRanimals2]

Also, I thought I would post a picture of this odd first egg laid last night from the perch:

I'm not concerned about it, but it sure is strange-looking!

 

[dotknott]

I've got Saxony duck eggs for hatching (and soon, ducklings) available. PM me if you're interested!

 

[Mom2Sav]

**Sorry if this is a similar post**

Any opinions on when my chicks can be transferred to outside coop? They range from 2-3 weeks. My next step is to take them out of my dining room

area and put them in my back laundry room in a crate with the heat lamp. At what point can they handle the temps on their own? I have never raised chicks before and am not sure at what point they are fully feathered. I was kind of wanting to avoid using a heat lamp in outside coop if I could. Thanks in advance for all your advice.

 

[Mom2Sav]

Yeah, that is a weird looking egg. I've been getting a few fairy eggs but nothing like that lol!

 

[peopleRanimals2]

Hi! The chicks can go outside in relatively warm temps around 6 weeks old, or when they are fully feathered. Fully feathered means that all of the chick fluff has been replaced by feathers, so there is little to no chick fluff left. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask! Have fun with your babies!