The Welsummer chicks seem to be doing fine in the garage, at this point. We've had a few really cold days, but we were careful not to let it get too cool in their space. This weekend will be sunny and warmer. If it gets too hot in the garage, we can open up the doors to allow the breezes to flow through. They are almost five weeks of age, their feet are looking ginormous, their breast feathers are coming in and soon, their head feathers will be sprouting. The plan is to try to sell the oldest flock of Orloffs are "instant" backyard chickens for people in the inner city who can have up to three, legally.
Sorry about the lighting on these. The Shadows seemed to cause a 3-D effect.
Sorry about the lighting on these. The Shadows seemed to cause a 3-D effect.
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The six Crosses are a straight run, and so there are likely to be some roosters in the bunch. They are messy eaters, seeming to feel the need to scoop out the food to get to something better. We have a deeper feeder setup that may need to be implemented for them. They are also the poopiest chicks we have ever had. Yeesh! In these photos, you can see the change up of the brooder warmer from the middle of the cage, to being placed under the light which seems to attract these little ones more to the warmth.
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I've been asked about the temperatures for chicks. Since I no longer bother with using lights as the sole source of heat, I needed to look this one up. Remember this is approximate age. Some chicks are heartier and can tolerate cooler temps better than others. Watch for huddling and trying to get into the middle of the group, which indicates that they are too cool.
My personal opinion; purchasing a brooder warmer, is well worth the investment, even if it isn't used more than a couple months each year. Another warmer is available at this site. When done for the year, or between flocks, I use a damp clorox bleach wipe to clean it all up and ready for the next time I need it.
My Brinsea version has three height settings. I start with the middle and place an old towel folded into a nice flat surface under the plate until the chicks are about 2 weeks old. I cover the towel with the sheet that I use on the floor of the pen. I remove the towel about the same time that I am switching over to the shavings in the pen, since chicks are usually large enough to manage their heat better without being so close to the warmer. If you look at the Cornish X chick photos above, you can see the "step up" under the warmer.
Some of our potato crop is peeking out of the ground, despite the cool spring temps and heavy rains. Onions seem to be doing fine. I don't see any evidence of rot at this point. Will need to keep a close eye on the blasted thripes this year. Spinach, Strawberries, Parsley and Oregano is doing well. Need to get tomato plants in the pots and in the green house since it has been too cool and rainy to put outside yet. CRAZY spring weather. It will be interesting to see when we can plant the Corn. Normally start about mid May, but as cool as it has been, that may be too early this year.
- 95F 0-10 days of age
(the first week of having the chicks from the feed store/hatchery) - 90F Week 2
- 85F Week 3
- 80F Week 4
- 75F Week 5
- 70F Week 6
- 65F Week 7
- 60F Week 8 and until fully feathered (7 to 10 weeks is the approximate time to go outside depending on outside temps)
My personal opinion; purchasing a brooder warmer, is well worth the investment, even if it isn't used more than a couple months each year. Another warmer is available at this site. When done for the year, or between flocks, I use a damp clorox bleach wipe to clean it all up and ready for the next time I need it.
My Brinsea version has three height settings. I start with the middle and place an old towel folded into a nice flat surface under the plate until the chicks are about 2 weeks old. I cover the towel with the sheet that I use on the floor of the pen. I remove the towel about the same time that I am switching over to the shavings in the pen, since chicks are usually large enough to manage their heat better without being so close to the warmer. If you look at the Cornish X chick photos above, you can see the "step up" under the warmer.
Some of our potato crop is peeking out of the ground, despite the cool spring temps and heavy rains. Onions seem to be doing fine. I don't see any evidence of rot at this point. Will need to keep a close eye on the blasted thripes this year. Spinach, Strawberries, Parsley and Oregano is doing well. Need to get tomato plants in the pots and in the green house since it has been too cool and rainy to put outside yet. CRAZY spring weather. It will be interesting to see when we can plant the Corn. Normally start about mid May, but as cool as it has been, that may be too early this year.
