New to the Hen House

[my2sweetpeas]

Hi name is Anna. I have twin girls and we recently decided to venture into backyard chickens. It's a family adventure but the chicks are mostly the girls. But right now, I am doing the "dirty work" of cleaning their brooder and taking care of their water, the girls feed unless the container needs cleaning. We make them wash immediately after touching the chicks even if it was a quick touch. Someone told me it was dangerous to have them in the house due to the dust they kick up. We have 15 almost 4week old variety of chicks. All the same size and I'm not sure what they are yet. We do live in Michigan so it gets chilly still. Anyone know what illnesses aside from salmonella, I need to worry and teach about. Coup is almost ready for them, we are laying wire around the base of the coup to keep out preditors. Any suggestions, tips and tricks are appreciated. My one 6 year old has been holding a chick so much that the chick has layed back against her so she can rub it's tummy. Some of them are layed back and others are super jumpy. I'm guessing they are trying to figure out the pecking order.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Anna and welcome to BYC

In a couple of weeks, post pics here - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/what-breed-or-gender-is-this.15/

On this link you'll find lots of information on almost every aspect of keeping birds - from coop building ideas, to incubating eggs - https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/

There’s a link on the page above to the Learning Centre - it’s a great resource. If you have a specific topic in mind, just type it in the search box - there's a wealth of information on past and present threads.

Each week, various topics are discussed, which can also be a great resource - https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/topic-of-the-week-thread-archive


You can use this link to contact members in your area - Find Your State Thread

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[ronott1]

No one in my Family has ever gotten sick from the chickens.

The dust is not dangerous but is a nuisance to clean up.

It is odd that people worry so much about chickens and yet let their Dog lick them?

Hmmm....

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock!

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

BYC has an APP!

 

[Joeschooks]

Hello Anna. Welcome to the flock and congratulations on getting your chicks! I find chicks are ok indoors for the first week or so but after that the dust is indeed a nightmare!! Enjoy your babies!

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

how fun having twin girls!!! welcome to byc! i hope you love it here as much as i do!!! ask if you need ANYTHING!

 

[drumstick diva]

Sounds like you will have very well socialized chicks.Welcome to Backyard chickens Anna, hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.

 

[drumstick diva]

When chicks are about 8 weeks old, post individual photos of them at "what breed or gender is this." The great folks there will sort them out for you.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Anna and welcome to BYC!
So happy you decided to join us.