Geoid Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 (I hope this is the right section) My next door neighbours children got some chicks from school, but now they don't want them anymore. So I have been asked if I want them. If I do decide to take these chicks in, what arrangements do I need to undertake? What will my existing hens do to them? Do they need to be inside or outside and for how long? Any advise greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 Blimey. In at the deep end. They still need to be in a brooder with either an electric hen or a heat lamp for another couple of weeks, Fred, especially as the weather is turning a bit nippy again. You will need Chick Crumbs and a small drinker for them. They make a heck of a dandruffy mess at this age, so I wouldn't recommend that you keep them in your bedroom. Don't mix them with your existing hens....they will attack them, unfortunately. **Click** for some useful advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted April 15, 2010 Author Share Posted April 15, 2010 Thanks, I think I will try and persuade next door to buy me a Eglu Go or something Just to clarify, there are 2 chicks and they are 4 weeks old. (not 4 chicks that are a week old) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 15, 2010 Share Posted April 15, 2010 I took it that they were 4 weeks old. If they were a week old they would need to be indoors in the brooder for a fair bit longer. Good luck with the Go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted April 16, 2010 Share Posted April 16, 2010 Surely they have them in a brooder with heat at the moment? Can they not just loan you the brooder/heat lamp for at least a couple of weeks. Then I would be planning separate accommodation for at least 4-5 months until they are at POL and you can start thinking about intros with older hens. Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...