Spring 2017 first timers post!

[junebuggena]

Ahhhh yes, ok, that's the post I read but I didn't realize that's what was being called the Mama heating pad. Got it!! Thanks! If I get one of those set up in the coop at what age is safe to move them outside? It's chilly here in the northeast. Probably won't get the chicks until march so I'm hoping by May they will be big enough and it will be warm enough to move them.....

@Blooie , who started that thread uses it out in the coop. She's in Wyoming, so you know she deals with extreme cold. She piles straw around the heating pad to help hold in the heat better. Chicks go straight from the incubator to the heating pad brooder. Some people like to keep their chicks inside for the first few days to make sure they are all strong and healthy. It's personal choice, not a written in stone rule.
I brood mine in an unfinished room next to the garage. The average temp is 40 to 50 degrees and chicks are ready to go out by 4 weeks old. I had 5 week old chicks outside during a cold snap where the temps dropped to 16 degrees overnight. Chicks were just fine in their little coop. They are much hardier than most would have you think.
It's just like letting a broody hen raise chicks. The only difference is that the heating pad can't get up and follow the chicks around.

 

[chick22]

I havent looked into those, I will do that. I was going to get my chicks next month that but now I might way and get the coop done first so I don't feel rushed once they get here.

Have you looked at the hoop coop designs at all? It is a relatively inexpensive way too make a coop that is easily expanded if your flock out grows it. Just pop the back side off and add panels as desired. They have a whole section on them on this site.

 

[junebuggena]

I havent looked into those, I will do that. I was going to get my chicks next month that but now I might way and get the coop done first so I don't feel rushed once they get here.

Coop should always be built before you get chicks. Those little suckers double in size each week, and their space needs double as they grow. And coop building always takes longer than you expect it too.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Coop should always be built before you get chicks. Those little suckers double in size each week, and their space needs double as they grow. And coop building always takes longer than you expect it too.

Thats for sure, I have been working on mine for a couple months, between weather delays and helper delays its still not quite ready for April chicks! I will have it done enough by then, but likely working on it as I go along, nest boxes roost etc. Once I get mostly finished I will do a coop page.

Gary

 

[Spartan22]

They are growing so fast

Just Hatched




10 Days later

 

[Treerooted]

They are growing so fast

Just Hatched




10 Days later

Umm, adorable.

Breeds?

 

[Spartan22]

I know, right? Within over a week wings and tail feathers are showing up and couple can jump/fly 20" already. I got French Copper Marans, Australorps, The 3 chipmunks are Welsummers and the yellow is an Easter Eggers, they are so curious and no fear at all.

 

[Treerooted]

I know, right? Within over a week wings and tail feathers are showing up and couple can jump/fly 20" already. I got French Copper Marans, Australorps, The 3 chipmunks are Welsummers and the yellow is an Easter Eggers, they are so curious and no fear at all.

Thanks

Australorps are on my yes list, cuckoo marans, welsummers and easter eggers on my maybe

 

[naturegeek168]

Question to those few experienced chicken keepers on here, should I start off with a rooster in my flock? I know I don't have to but would it be better if I do? I was originally just going to get 4 Buckeye hens but then I started thinking maybe I should get a rooster to watch out for the ladies. Thoughts?

 

[junebuggena]

Girls only for the first year, especially with such a small flock. Cockerels become a complete mess when their hormones start to surge between 5 and 6 months of age. A few mature hens really does help to keep a young male in line. And most boys need about 8 to 10 hens, otherwise they can cause too much stress and feather damage.