VERY NEW TO THIS LAYING HENS THING!!

[livingstonhens]

Hi Everyone,

We just getting into the laying hens game. My son has wanted them and has convinced his mother to be his accomplice!

A friend has offered 5 of her hens to get us started but we are also looking at ordering chicks from our local hatchery. What do I do with this precious little things???

In the first few weeks do most people keep them inside?? We are building a coop as I speak and plan to have a separate area for the chicks, but how old do they have to be before they can be in the coop??

Take in mind we live in Canada and there is still snow on the ground..

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Heidi

 

[lightchick]

I keep them inside until 6 weeks old.
you will need.....
heat lamp and bulb
cardboard box or tub
pine wood shavings
1 quart chick waterer
chick feeder
chick starter (the stuff i get is a starter and grower so I don't have to change to grower later on)
You will need to keep them at 90 degrees the first week and then lower the temp by 5 degrees every week after that.
Hope this helps

 

[livingstonhens]

Thanks so much @lightchick!!! I'm hoping by the time they are six weeks that there won't be any snow on the ground!!