wire cage question

[joe17]

I can get some wire hanging cages for pretty cheap around here. I was wondering what size holes do I need for week old silkie chicks? Is it good to keep chicks on wire for a month? I then would move them to a grow out pen with shavings. Ohh and is there any way to put something on the bottom of the cage so that it wouldnt be wire? What do you do? I was thinking about putting a piece of wood over the wire and then put shavings on top. Any ideas???

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I brood my chicks on wire. 1/4" hardware cloth. And they do just fine, from day-olds up until I move them to the grow out coop.

 

[joe17]

Okay thanks! Do they dont loose feathers and toe nails like they would do if they were older? I was thinking they were lighter and their feet feathers wouldnt be as full so it couldnt get ripped and pulled off. What age do you consider started? I was thinking a month?? Ohh and what ages would you mix together? Like what ages would you mix in your grow out pen? Maybe 1-6 month olds together? Would they fight?

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
No, no ripped out toe nails or feathers. I also keep birds on wire that I am planning to show to keep them clean, and their feathers do stay in great condition. Started birds I would consider 4-5 weeks and older. I mix the birds together by size. With silkies, I dont have any problems with chicks fighting or picking on eachother.