4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[daj198]

Hi Guys,

 

Do you know of anywhere where I could buy chicks? It's really tempting to grow some as I already have two laying so wouldn't be short of eggs.

 

Thanks, Dom

[Egluntyne]

If you are wanting young chicks Dom, you will need a brooder and all the kit that goes with it such as a chick feeder and drinker.

 

Some breeders sell day old chicks.......have you considered what you would do with any cockerels?

 

There are autosexing breeds which can be identified as female on hatching, such as Cream Legbars. It might be best to enquire about one of these.

[daj198]

I was thinking about getting autosexing breeds to ensure I don't get any cockerels. I believe you can tell by the colour...

 

I have a polystyrene box (the type the sell icy fish in) that I think could be made into a brooder. And there's a country-life shop that sells chickcrumbs and chick drinkers. Is there anything else I'd need?

[daj198]

This looks good: http://www.poultryhelp.com/brooders.html

 

And this says how to look after them: http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/DI0631.html

 

Do you think they're trustworthy?

[CockADoodleDoo]

if they are under 6 weeks you will need a heat lamp

[daj198]

I've got a heat lamp from when we had guinea pigs It'll be good to use it! It will justify the years that it's been sitting in our garage

[Egluntyne]

Well it looks as if you have done your homework.

 

Fee is the chicken raising expert.....why not ask her advice.

[daj198]

Thanks, hopefully she'll see this thread and respond.

 

It looks doubtful that I'll be able to get chicks now. My parents don't appear to have caught the chook bug!