Eglu Cube Coop For Sale

[ISCA]

More questions!!!

 

I have pre-ordered my first chooks from a local breeder and have opted for getting 8 week old hens as I am in no rush for the eggs and I thought it would be fun seeing them mature. However, many people opt for getting POL hens, I assume so that there is not such a wait for egg production to commence?!

 

Are there any disadvantages to getting 8 weekers compared to POL? I am assured by 8 weeks sexing will not be a problem (especially for the Cream Legbar which is an auto-sexing breed).

 

Thanks.

[Daphne]

erm....pure breeds come into lay after hybrids. POL sales are usually 16 weeks but it is entirely normal for pure breeds to be 26 weeks plus (a lot of plus in some cases). I can't speak for the rest, but orps can be very hard to sex (but I know some breeders are good at it, so fingers X). 8 weeks is very young. Birds should be off heat (ie not under a broody or lamp) but you do need to keep them as warm/sheltered as poss. If we get cold weather snaps then you should be ready to take extra precautions. Not wishing to alarm you, but growers, as birds roughly 8-16 weeks are known, can be prone to a variety of illnesses that older birds can shake off; the worst of which in my mind is mareks (although this is nearly always fatal to any bird). So, you need to be extra vigilant with your youngsters.

[Egluntyne]

The only other problems apart form the wait for eggs would be that of introductions if you are planning to mix them with an older flock.

 

In a word - don't! At least not until they are much older.

 

**Click to read article on managing intros.**

 

Also they will feel the cold a bit I imagine as they will not have been off heat for long at this time of year. You might have to rig something a bit sheltered for them.

[Redwing]

as already said 8 weeks us very young to be out and fully hardy at this time of year, my 7 week olds are not ready for the outside world yet..

 

in the warmer weather 8 week olds will normally be ok

 

its lovely getting youngsters and seeing them grow though

 

Most pure breeds will be sexable at 8 weeks, Araucanas, Silkies and Orps are notable exceptions but some breeders have the sexing thing down pat. You really need guaranteed girls so if you are unsure about the breeders confidence dont buy if a cockerel will be a big problem

 

Another benefit is the cost, pure breeds arent always cheap!

[beulah59]

And feed - you'll need to keep them on growers for a few weeks before putting them on layers at about 16 weeks.

[Cooks]

unless they are a breed that is slow to mature and you keep them on growers much longer ie orps

[kirstyfern]

I prefer to get POL, the hybrids are all vaccinated and the pure breeds are usually sexed by then. My CL don't lay till 24 - 30 weeks old so getting them at 8 weeks you have a long wait.

You also can't put them straight in with your others until they are 12-16 weeks old or so and you will need to feed them growers pellets until 16 weeks of age anyway.

My main concern getting young leghorns / CL / silkies is they are particularly susceptible to Mareks, which they catch at Day old and you don't know they have it until they are about to lay their first egg and BAM - paralysed chicken you have just loooked after for 10 weeks... Best get them when they have just started laying if possible.

[LJ's Chooks]

Be careful if you can't guarantee girls.... We bought two orp 6week growers, they were auto sexing, but one still turned out to be a boy. We've been lucky - so far - and our neighbours have let us keep him. Believe me though by the time you'll be able to sex them for sure, they will have worked their way into your heart!!!! Be very careful if you are not going to be able to keep a boy!!

[ISCA]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have decided to get POL based on the advice. These are my first hens so best play safe. If any were male my supplier would exchange fortunately