Time alone

[RebelsHope]

Not do anything for 4 weeks? That is crazy. For the first 3 weeks I had my chicks in a guinea pig cage in my room. Then they moved to a watermelon cardboard box I got from Wal- Mart. That box was a great brooder. Then I took them out during the day and brought them in at night until they were about 5 weeks. Now they are outside and happy as little chicks

It is warmer here, in Southern WI that it may be in a few weeks for you so that is something that is important to consider, but you don't have to hover over them.

You should be around a lot on the first day so that you can monitor how they are doing. If they are too warm or too cool and make adjustments.

 

[siz8003]

I do have a 3 week a 5 week and 2 6 weekers outside and they are still alive lots of food and water and a nice warm heat lamp

 

[Cheryl]

Who said you should not do anything for 4 weeks?

That came from My Pet Chicken and it said I should not plan on doing anything for 4 weeks. Basically I was to be with my chicks 24/7, I'm a school teacher, so that is impossible! Though when they arrive next week, I have permission to get them home, watered and fed, but then I need to return to work! But others have said it is safe for me to leave...

 

[s6bee]

If you want to do, I would suggest the sooner the better. We kept our chicks inside till they were almost 5 weeks old. It was a challenge to give them enough space in the house with our brooder. They do get stinky by that age. Mine are now 9 wks. and fully feathered. I would think you have enough time now before the harsh weather sets in. Just keep it draft free ( but proper ventilation ) for them. You could consider a heat lamp for them? That's your call. Make sure you get Cold weather hardy birds too!
I bought from Meyers Hatchery. They threw me in an extra as I guess many places do. I think I'm fortunate one thought I got an extra hen, not a roo!