Want to try but Chicken ????

[critterrun]

my family gave me an incubator and turner for my birthday

I want to try BUT I AM CHICKEN

how long would they need to stay in my house after the hatched?
I live in NJ

there are eggs for sale I REALY LIKE

should I try or wait for spring?

Thanks
for all the help

BYC is great
I have all ready meet some GREAT people

Debbie

 

[willowbranchfarm]

Do it. There's nothing better than fluffy chickens.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I raise chicks year round except when it's real hot.
I can add heat but I can't add airconditioning to a hot bldg.

I almost never have them in the house unless I only have a couple because of the dust.

I set up a brooder in an unheated building with 2 lamps. There's plenty of warmth and plenty of cool space.
The quicker they acclimate to the cool the better they feather out and be ready for winter.
IMO If you start now and raised the right way they'll be able to be outside by mid or late January.

And you'll be getting eggs by May.

If you have a few

If you have a lot

Outside the building

 

[CapricornFarm]

Jump in, the water is fine! You will love it!

 

[wishingbee]

I asked myself the very same questions a few months ago.

I say go for it! But be prepared for bad weather, and research, research, research. Plan for the worst- power outtages while incubating, what you'll do if the power goes when they're just hatched, if the weather is simply too cold to put them outside when they're finally fully feathered (5 weeks-ish?). If you have to keep them indoors for longer, how will you mitigate the dust? Where will you keep them as they grow larger and louder?

And be prepared for snide remarks from people at the feed store when you're picking up chick starter, too.

I have 6 babies (well, they're almost three weeks old) in my office. And I wouldn't trade my experience for anything- they have been such a joy. If there's a will, there's a way!

 

[jacobkelly15]

keep them in for 3 weeks and then put them out with a heat lamp but at 4 weeks old they shouldnt need a heat lamp only if gets super cold!

 

[Wynette]

They will need heat until they are fully feathered, which is not until at least 7-8 weeks. UNLESS you hatch in the dead of summer and it's quite hot out.

I would not recommend getting the breed you are super keen on to begin with - I highly recommend getting a small number from a local farmer...this way, you can "practice" with eggs that are not quite as valuable. Then, once you've had a successful hatch, move on to the breed you're super keen on. JMO!

 

[critterrun]

ok I am starting week 2

hope all goes well