Some Questions from a Newbie...

[llewella]

Hi all,

I am a newbie at raising chickens--this is my first go at it.

First, I have Freedom Rangers that are 4 weeks old today. I fondly refer to them as the Chicken Tenders, now. I moved them out to the "chicken-shed" last night. They seem fully-feathered (don't laugh) and did fine last night without a light. They were not huddled together early this AM when I ran out to check on them. But, I just went out to check on them again and they were all lined up sitting in the streak of sunlight coming through one of the windows. So, this makes me wonder, should I keep a light in there for warmth (and light?) at night? I am in the UP Michigan and temps were in the 40s last night. With feathers, they are okay without it, right? Or am I wrong? Also, should I put perches in the coop for them?

Next, I obtained organic chick starter and grower, but the protein percentage is quite a bit lower than recommended for meat chickens. The starter I believe is 18% and the grower is just 16%. I am thinking I need to supplement to bring up the protein percentage. Anyone have any suggestions? Meal worms? Vegies/Fruits? I want to go organic all the way if at all possible. If I am going to raise my own meat, I want it organic, right, eh?

As soon as I finish my mobile-coop, they will hopefully be "ranging" in the pasture during the day and back into the coop at night (to keep them safe from predators and all my bird dogs).

I also have Cornish crosses that are just a week old--these are referred to as the "Chicken Nuggets"--(still in the brooder box of course) and I want to get this right before it is time to move them out.

Thanks so much for any help.

 

[Beekissed]

The protein percentage is fine for normal grow out. If you want to speed up their growth and have a deadline at which you have to process, then you will probably want to increase proteins. They will develop and form good muscling at the levels of protein you are currently feeding, as will any chicken.

They are fine without a light at 4 wks and will do better without the extra heat in the coop.

You can provide roosting areas for them and they really like it. They need to be wider perch than you provide for a regular DP bird because these birds are a little top heavy and have a little trouble with balance. Mine are 6 wks and still love their wide roosting spots. Mine are about 2-3 ft. high and approx. 10-12 wide.

 

[llewella]

Thank you so much for your response!

 

[Buster52]

I would try to find a way to up that protein level to at least 18%, although it would be better to get it even higher. Do you have access to organic soybean meal?

Best resource for newbies I know of is here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/436974/meaties-101

 

[llewella]

I need to stay completely clear of any soy.

Thank you for the link--I will check it out!

 

[Buster52]

Fish meal, then?

 

[FarmingForFun]

Those guys should be ok without supplemental heat there body temp is higher than normal chicks...odds are they just like sunning

. Finish the out on some non-GMO corn half layer and half corn for the last week..delicious. I just ate the first of my batch last night it was great! The meat was super clean and tasty. Just make sure you brine those chickens after you kill 'em they need to set in a iced brine solution for at leas 8 hours I soak mine for 17.

 

[llewella]

Great! Thanks so much for all of your help. I checked on the Rangers at dark and they were huddled together. I put a tarp over a large open--but screened--window. The low is to be around 41°F tonight. I may panic and go run a very long extension cord out there... or not... I guess they'll be fine. I can't stand being stupid about this stuff! This forum has been a fantastic resource and everyone here so kind and helpful--thank you!

 

[Life is Good!]

We're a bit south of you - northern Illinois - with FR's about the same age (ours are now 5wks old today). Ours have been outside since 22 days old. And yes, there were some nights I have been concerned about 'em. However, I know how much heat output these little ones give off! Our 25 like to 'huddle' together to sleep still. I did put a roost plank in their 'coop' - as the floor space is becoming a premium with their growth! Consequently, they needed a bit more space. I've enjoyed watching them 'line up' to find a spot to settle in for the night - it's a 1x4" by 51" long - thus far, about 14 birds can fit on it! Smashed together, nothing but red feathers - too funny! I believe yours will be just fine at night - and remember, if you baby them, the won't get used to the chill in the air and might have a rougher go of it when they are fully feathered out (if we get another cold snap).....

As for the sunlight thing - mine LOVE to laze around in the sun like a barn cat. They'll eat their fill of breakfast, then sun for a while, then forage for a while, then more sun.....ah, what a life! (I know because I've spent the last weekend outside in the veggie garden planting). So it sounds like yours are perfectly normal. Enjoy your tenders!

 

[llewella]

Thanks! Mine did do just fine last night. They seem to love the new digs. I added one perch and they are taking turns at it, but I will add another larger one later today. They were sunning this morning and ate breakfast eagerly (they didn't seem to eat much yesterday). They ate a banana and some strawberries for the first time and seemed to love the treat. I think I will be moving the CXs out much sooner hearing of your experience.

Thanks!