Baby Chicks in Grow-Out Run

@kareng (80243)
United States
April 23, 2019 10:12am CST
I haven't posted a lot in the last few days. I've been busy with trying to get things done around here and also the Easter holiday was this past weekend. One of the things that I accomplished last week was getting the baby chicks all moved into the grow-out run. This is a small run (cage) that is about ten feet long x 2.5 feet. My husband built it for me a couple of years ago. It is great for baby chicks to grow up in before adding to my flock. Babies need to be close to adult size when adding to a flock. Flocks have an established pecking order and would instantly pick on the new arrivals. Of course, I divided my coop last week also so my babies will go to the side of the "nice" hens until they are of full size. Photo: My own
7 people like this
7 responses
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (135881)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Apr 19
I need to get to work on a new area to move my bantams too. I have jersey giants ready to go out to the little shed coop. And another batch hatching in a little over a week.
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
24 Apr 19
I want to build a lightweight chicken tractor with pvc. I could also use it for newbies and chicks growing out.
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
25 Apr 19
@wolfgirl569 I'm itching to get more babies. But I know the hubster would shoot me ;)
1 person likes this
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (135881)
• Marion, Ohio
24 Apr 19
@kareng I am about done hatching for the year. That will help.
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Faye
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
24 Apr 19
Oh wow, so this is what they look like after the fluffy chick stage. Cool!
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
24 Apr 19
Yep, they are fun to watch at this age as strange noises will scare them. Yet, they are curious, so always exploring :)
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
24 Apr 19
@FayeHazel Yes :)
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Faye
@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
24 Apr 19
@kareng Lol that is funny - its like the awkward puppy stage for dogs
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Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
23 Apr 19
Do you keep the hens for eggs for your home or meat or do you sell them?
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Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
23 Apr 19
Yes, we raise them for the eggs. I supply two of my daughters and their families, and my mom with eggs. My other daughter has her own flock of chickens :)
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
23 Apr 19
@akalinus We don't eat them that fast. I usually have a couple of dozen in waiting at all times, especially during laying season.
Jo Ann
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
23 Apr 19
@kareng That's wonderful. There is nothing like a fresh egg minutes out of the hen.
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Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382328)
• Rockingham, Australia
24 Apr 19
Baby chicks grow quickly don't they? And you're right about not being able to add them to the adults too soon.
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
24 Apr 19
Yes, they double in size so fast.
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John Roberts
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
23 Apr 19
The flock is growing.
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
24 Apr 19
Yes, have to plan to replace the older hens when they reach their senior years and no egg laying. My oldest hens are either 5 or 6 years old and I'm not totally sure on those in flock I purchased last year. They still have a couple of years left, but I would rather stagger ages instead of replacing all at once. And babies are so much fun :)
1 person likes this
LindaOH
@LindaOHio (222624)
• United States
23 Apr 19
They're getting so big so fast!
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
23 Apr 19
Yes, they double in size in just a few days.
1 person likes this
relcap23
@florelway (23339)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
23 Apr 19
What do you feed them?
1 person likes this
Kareng
@kareng (80243)
• United States
23 Apr 19
They get laying pellets (protein), chicken scratch (a mixture of different grains and corn), and greens from the yard. I also give them leftover veggies or peelings from veggies when cooking. Their favorite treat is stale bread ;)