- May 21, 2015
- 5
- 0
- 60
I am a first time Chicken Mom and have 4 awesome chickens, two Barred Rocks and two Rhode Island Reds. They are 8 weeks old, but one barred rock definitely started developing early. From what I have read, it may still be too early to tell if my hen is a rooster, but figured I would post some pictures and get some advice. Our city doesn't allow roosters so the earlier I know the better I can plan.
Also while I am at it, are they big enough to free range in a fenced in back yard? I let them out of their coop when I am home, but hate leaving them in all day when I am at work. I put a little addition to their coop so they can get some fresh grass/bugs, but would much rather them peck around the yard freely. I had a scare recently when I left them outside all day. I couldn't find them, and a large neighborhood cat jumped out of one of our bushes. After some panicked searching, I found them all safe and napping in the sandbox under our wooden play set. So should I not be afraid of neighborhood cats getting to them? Are they big enough to handle themselves outside during the day?
Thanks everyone!
Also while I am at it, are they big enough to free range in a fenced in back yard? I let them out of their coop when I am home, but hate leaving them in all day when I am at work. I put a little addition to their coop so they can get some fresh grass/bugs, but would much rather them peck around the yard freely. I had a scare recently when I left them outside all day. I couldn't find them, and a large neighborhood cat jumped out of one of our bushes. After some panicked searching, I found them all safe and napping in the sandbox under our wooden play set. So should I not be afraid of neighborhood cats getting to them? Are they big enough to handle themselves outside during the day?
Thanks everyone!
