Slw beginner

[OkieSLW]

I am raising silver laced Wyandotte chickens. I have never raised chickens period, and would love some pointers.

 

[azygous]

You can begin by reading from this collection. https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...cks-notable-topic-index-please-review.283953/

And my own article on the best way to brood baby chicks. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/ This method is great for flock starter chicks as it allows them terrific freedom and acclimates them to outdoor temps from the very start even though they may not have adult chickens to cope with.

 

[OkieSLW]

Thank you! I just posted some pictures of my flock maybe you can tell me if they are ready to get out the brooder.

 

[azygous]

They appear to be around five weeks old. Is that correct? If so, they are ready to go outdoors.

If they've been inside all their lives, and if you are already in cold winter, they will need acclimating. Please tell us where you're located in the world. This is the only way I can advise you on moving the chicks out.

 

[OkieSLW]

They appear to be around five weeks old. Is that correct? If so, they are ready to go outdoors.

If they've been inside all their lives, and if you are already in cold winter, they will need acclimating. Please tell us where you're located in the world. This is the only way I can advise you on moving the chicks out.

 

[OkieSLW]

I live in Oklahoma City ok. It is just now getting cold 35-40degrees in the morning and 60s at night. They have been in the brooder in the garage since I brought them home.

 

[azygous]

Thank you. Am I correct in estimating they are five weeks old? At that age chicks are fully feathered and no longer need heat at night unless it's freezing or below. If they are still under a heat lamp, turn it off to begin the acclimatizing process.

If tomorrow is nice and not windy, take the chicks outside for a bit. I hope you have a coop and run all set up and it's secure against predators. If not, you need to hustle and get it finished. The chicks are already too big for a brooder and need space.

When I brooded indoors, I began the acclimatizing process by taking the chicks outdoors starting at two weeks, extending the time they spend outside each day until they were spending all day outside in the run.

By five weeks, the chicks were living in the coop with just a bit of heat at night for the first couple nights, then they were on their own.

The danger of predators is a major consideration. Be sure the chicks are secure from dogs and cats and hawks. A run must be secure against predators that can dig under a fence such as dogs, raccoons, possums, skunks, foxes, and must be sturdy enough to withstand a bear attack if you have bears where you live.

Do not make the mistake of thinking you have zero predators just because you have never noticed any. To be sure, the predators will notice you have just provided them with chicken dinner, even if it might take a few months for them to make themselves obvious.

 

[OkieSLW]

I still have them under the heat lamp. I am getting ready to acclimate the birds. I think you are spot on with removing the lamp. I have a coop just about finished. But I wasn't planning on building a run. Any tips on how to get them back in?

 

[azygous]

How old are they?

Not having a secure run is risky. Keeping them cooped up inside a coop is not healthy. Chickens love to free range, but they also crave cover and safety. They know they are prey, and they feel the need to rest where they know they won't be picked off by a hawk flying over, and while crows do not bother adult chickens, they will happily eat chicks the size of yours. You need to protect them while they are outside. Do not leave them alone for a second or something will eat them. This is why a secure run is a necessity.

You will be using a pet carrier to transport the chicks outdoors. This is the sort of cover chicks crave. When you get them outside, open the door to the crate and let the chicks come out when they are ready. You may be surprised they will not burst out of the carrier. Instead they will hang inside for a while observing the big world they've just been set down in. One brave chick will be first to come out, then another, but they won't go far from the crate. Leave it open for them to go back into when they want.

They won't need to be chased down and caught. They will return to the crate when they've had enough. But to condition them to come to you, start training them to come by offering a favorite treat and using a verbal cue or a training clicker. My chickens all come when I call them, and they are also clicker trained. This comes in handy if I need to get them rounded up and back into the run very quickly. It only takes a few hours of training and they will come when you give them their signal.

 

[OkieSLW]

How old are they?

Not having a secure run is risky. Keeping them cooped up inside a coop is not healthy. Chickens love to free range, but they also crave cover and safety. They know they are prey, and they feel the need to rest where they know they won't be picked off by a hawk flying over, and while crows do not bother adult chickens, they will happily eat chicks the size of yours. You need to protect them while they are outside. Do not leave them alone for a second or something will eat them. This is why a secure run is a necessity.

You will be using a pet carrier to transport the chicks outdoors. This is the sort of cover chicks crave. When you get them outside, open the door to the crate and let the chicks come out when they are ready. You may be surprised they will not burst out of the carrier. Instead they will hang inside for a while observing the big world they've just been set down in. One brave chick will be first to come out, then another, but they won't go far from the crate. Leave it open for them to go back into when they want.

They won't need to be chased down and caught. They will return to the crate when they've had enough. But to condition them to come to you, start training them to come by offering a favorite treat and using a verbal cue or a training clicker. My chickens all come when I call them, and they are also clicker trained. This comes in handy if I need to get them rounded up and back into the run very quickly. It only takes a few hours of training and they will come when you give them their signal.


[/QUOTE

How old are they?

Not having a secure run is risky. Keeping them cooped up inside a coop is not healthy. Chickens love to free range, but they also crave cover and safety. They know they are prey, and they feel the need to rest where they know they won't be picked off by a hawk flying over, and while crows do not bother adult chickens, they will happily eat chicks the size of yours. You need to protect them while they are outside. Do not leave them alone for a second or something will eat them. This is why a secure run is a necessity.

You will be using a pet carrier to transport the chicks outdoors. This is the sort of cover chicks crave. When you get them outside, open the door to the crate and let the chicks come out when they are ready. You may be surprised they will not burst out of the carrier. Instead they will hang inside for a while observing the big world they've just been set down in. One brave chick will be first to come out, then another, but they won't go far from the crate. Leave it open for them to go back into when they want.

They won't need to be chased down and caught. They will return to the crate when they've had enough. But to condition them to come to you, start training them to come by offering a favorite treat and using a verbal cue or a training clicker. My chickens all come when I call them, and they are also clicker trained. This comes in handy if I need to get them rounded up and back into the run very quickly. It only takes a few hours of training and they will come when you give them their signal.

Definitely don't want that. I thought by opening the Coop and letting them run would be good enough. Definitely going to have to put more thought into it. Great tips on the training.