Scared chickens

[ChocolateMouse]

Ranger, my chickens bite me or walk away if I try to pet them. Some chickens learn to love the lovin', but many do not.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I would consider a heat source for nights. At 26 days (3 weeks) they should have an area to sleep near that's around 80-85*F. I wouldn't use a lamp in a coop. Look into a heat mat instead, they are safer. You can unplug it during the day. They may live without one (frankly I am surprised they're doing "well" without one), but they will be more likely to thrive with one. I just spent a 90*F day outside watching my day-old chicks hide under their mama hen regularly, so...

As for the rooster, I'm less certain on that one. I like to raise my roosters hands off so I get consistently respectful roosters. But it's possible. You'd likely have to start at around 6-8 weeks old, though.

 

[Unobtanium]

I would consider a heat source for nights. At 26 days (3 weeks) they should have an area to sleep near that's around 80-85*F. I wouldn't use a lamp in a coop. Look into a heat mat instead, they are safer. You can unplug it during the day. They may live without one (frankly I am surprised they're doing "well" without one), but they will be more likely to thrive with one. I just spent a 90*F day outside watching my day-old chicks hide under their mama hen regularly, so...

As for the rooster, I'm less certain on that one. I like to raise my roosters hands off so I get consistently respectful roosters. But it's possible. You'd likely have to start at around 6-8 weeks old, though.

They just seek to be doing super well. They are bigger each day and they are very lively. Definitely larger than 2oz. This is them at day 23. They went into the coop at day 10 and have done wonderful.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

They do seem to be feathering out well, but I would still have a heat source set up until they are fully feathered in few weeks, personally. I would not raise chicks without a heat source unless night time temps were 85. I'm glad that yours are still alive.

 

[Unobtanium]

They do seem to be feathering out well, but I would still have a heat source set up until they are fully feathered in few weeks, personally. I would not raise chicks without a heat source unless night time temps were 85. I'm glad that yours are still alive.

State poultry lab said put them out st 10 days. I did, and they've been doing amazing honestly. They have been very spry. I see them darting all around when I watch from afar. They have healthy curiosity and are active. Its 930pm and 83*, currently.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

K.

(PS, coldest part of the night is shortly before dawn, anywhere around 4-6am.)

 

[Unobtanium]

K.

(PS, coldest part of the night is shortly before dawn, anywhere around 4-6am.)

I dont mean to be obtuse, but they survived outside as 10 day olds over half a month ago. I feel like buying a heat pad now would be trying to put toothpaste back in the tube, no?

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I mean, do you want my opinion on animal husbandry or do you want to convince me that you did good? Because, frankly, I have no interest in your attempts to the later and you don't seem interested in the former.

Many animals can live through extraordinary circumstances. Doesn't mean they're what's best.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

But hey, you don't have to take the words of some random jerk on a forum for it.

https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/feed-health/how-long-do-chicks-need-a-heat-lamp/
http://www.wideopenpets.com/how-long-do-baby-chicks-need-a-heat-lamp-or-heat-source/
https://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-care/chapter-4-caring-for-baby-chicks.aspx
https://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_pets-livestock_chicken_how-to-care-for-new-baby-chicks
https://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/chickcare.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/how-much-heat-do-chicks-really-need/
https://www.motherearthnews.com/hom...ising-chicks-brooder-temperature-zebz1305zstp
http://www.cobb-vantress.com/academ...-chicks-the-best-start-in-the-brooding-period
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/l...ng-temperatures-for-small-poultry-flocks.html
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-635X2002000100003

 

[rosemarythyme]

I dont mean to be obtuse, but they survived outside as 10 day olds over half a month ago. I feel like buying a heat pad now would be trying to put toothpaste back in the tube, no?

No two keepers are going to do things the same way.

My chicks haven't had the option of heat since around 4 weeks of age, which isn't too far off from yours, and our nighttime temperatures have been maybe 70 at highest. Of course you have to play it by ear and keep in mind your own climate and weather conditions, but I think they'll be fine given the temperatures you listed.

As far as friendliness of chicks, I agree with everyone who is suggesting getting down on their level. I spend my time in the run crouching down, talking to them, and lightly stroking their chests if they'll stand still. I try to pick up each one every day as well, just to make sure everything looks fine. For treats I was handing out dried mealworms but now they've graduated to dried black soldier fly larvae. They're starting to get to the point where they don't want to be handled as much, but don't mind being close to me either.