They came with the house

[Usedtowanna]

Hi Everyone!

We bought our home in January and much to our delight, three chickens came with the house. They free range and then reside in a three sided outbuilding on a roost and they lay their eggs in an old rabbit hutch. So easy!!

Well, now we've gotten chicks. 18 of them and I'm a bit stumped as to what to do next.

We don't know genders and we don't want any roosters so we plan to put any males in the freezer. They are 6 weeks old and are rapidly outgrowing their current pen. How should I house them between now and when they can free range? I don't have access to a saw and it seems ridiculous to pay hundreds of dollars for a cute, premade coop.

~Heather

 

[Outpost JWB]

Good morning! Congrats on the house and the new chickens. You will be able to tell around 2 months or so depending on the breed which ones are roosters. I would make a coop though if I were you to keep predators out. It only takes one predator to wipe out the whole flock in one night. Lowe's will cut the lumber for you since you don't have access to a saw. They do charge per cut. Or you could rent a saw from a tool rental place. Hope this helps. Keep us updated.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Glad you joined us!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! X2 with Outpost JWB a coop really would be best for all your chickens to keep them safe on a night. A Preadator attack is devastating I suffered one myself and it was awfull. Drop by the coop section for some great ideas. Here is the link > https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coop_Designs

Wishing you the very best of luck and hope you enjoy BYC and all the chicken chat

 

[N F C]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[drumstick diva]

So glad you joined the BYC flock

 

[Usedtowanna]

Thanks for the warm welcome! I guess I'll have to get my act together and put together a coop, huh? I didn't know you could rent saws so I'll look into that.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!