sarahpink Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 I am new to keeping chickens and hope to get my first ones in the next few months so still busy researching at the moment. I would like to get some chicks as young as possible but i'm not really sure at what age you normally get them? Any other advice gratefully received too! Sarah x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 You can buy day old chicks. Depending on the breed, they may be sexed or unsexed, in which case you will need to give consideration to what you will do with any cockerels that you rear. They will need to be kept in a brooder for 6-8 weeks, before they are weaned off the heat. It depends upon what time of year you get them. The brooder will need some sort of non-slip flooring, to prevent injury, and in particular, 'splay leg'. You will also need a chick drinker, or at least a shallow bowl with marbles or pebbles in it so that they don't drown. They will also need chick crumbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Egluntine is right Sarah, you need to get all the gubbins first and get the brooder set up and at the right temperature for at least 24 hours before you get the chicks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuggywoo Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 I am new to keeping chickens and hope to get my first ones in the next few months so still busy researching at the moment. I would like to get some chicks as young as possible but i'm not really sure at what age you normally get them? Any other advice gratefully received too! Sarah x As you're new to this I would suggest 8wks old, they will be fine as they will be off the heat and should be fully feathered. At that age though they're still 'babies', you have none of the "Are they warm enough/eating enough etc" worries and you can also see their feathery personalities coming through They'll need growers pellets for another 6 or so wks then start introducing layers pellets (gradually). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
