Hello everyone, have a couple of quick questions

[angelagreig]

Hello Everyone,

Am a newbie, just got a couple of Questions.
Have got 14 chicks (Bantams, silkies and a couple of orpington's)
half are 2weeks old the rest are 3 weeks old.

Firstly, at what age can you start introducing some veggies, was thinking maybe trying them with some mashed potato?

At what age do they need to have grit, I am presuming not until they are on either growers or layers pellets, (they are on chick crumb at mo)

What age do I move them outside into the coop?

Thanks

[happychicks]

Hi and thanks for posting.

Firstly they need grit as soon as you start feeding other items and greens. If they are on crumbs they dont necessarily need it but as soon as their diet progresses onto greens give them grit.

There is no hard and fast rule really I start mine about 6 weeks. I have 4 at present all 6 weeks old and on greens. Leave them on their cumbs for the time being and slowly introduce soft managable greens at aprox 5-7 weeks.

As for moving them outside. I have mine outside from 5-6 weeks and not before 5 weeks. they have to be fully feathered before you let them out.

Thanks for stopping by Angela and dont forget we have a range of books on Hen keeping in the online store at www.happychicks.co.uk

www.happychicks.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Happychicksshop/_207413/1/Books

This is the direct link for the book which are great and a real help for those questions.

Kindest regards

Simon

[Sam]

Remember when giving grit make shore its "grit" and not oyster shell. The reason is all the extra calcium is harmful for young birds that are not yet needing it for their eggs.

[angelagreig]

Thanks
xx

[happychicks]

You're very welcome