Too many chicks?

[ChickChickCoffee]

Another note at 3 weeks . . .are you sure they're all pullets?

They are supposed to be. They’re black sex link/black star from TSC and none of them have the white dots on their heads.

 

[ChickChickCoffee]

Always go bigger! Chicken math is a real thing. I've been expanding my run and coop all weekend so I know...

Also good question from @redinator .. what if a couple of those are cockerels? Sexing at birth isn't 100% accurate. If you're worried about being inexperienced... I'd suggest having an all female flock at first. Males are a whole different ball game. Especially young males.

They are black sex link/black stars from TSC and none have the white dots on their heads so hoping they are all females!

 

[redinator]

They are black sex link/black stars from TSC and none have the white dots on their heads so hoping they are all females!

I'd give it a few weeks to be sure . . . post pictures on the What gender/breed is this" thread . . . Tractor Supply doesn't have the greatest track record of keeping chicks separated . . . . whether in happens in transit or in store IDK, but there are numerous threads where people got the wrong breed or gender, or both.

 

[townchicks]

If you don't have the skill set to build a big enough coop, you should split them up. On the other hand, consider a small prebuilt shed, if that is in your budget. Also be aware that prefabricated coops online, will actually house 1/2 or less, than the number of chickens they claim.I'm glad all your chicks did well, but kinda scary and sad that things are so bad that you are getting that kind of advice from an employee.

 

[redinator]

That is part of my thinking too! What if, in the future, we want to expand the breeds we have and we don’t have space. Chores aren’t so much at the top of the “what if” list. We have half an acre and could accommodate a coop big enough for 11, but our skill set on building one vs buying one would force us to buy a very large one and in our area those are near $5K

As far as the coop, repurposing a shed it's as intimidating as it sounds, and you could probably find used one on craig's list or facebook.

There are also articles here https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/ if you decide to build your own.

 

[redinator]

As far as the coop, repurposing a shed it's as intimidating as it sounds, and you could probably find used one on craig's list or facebook.

There are also articles here https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/ if you decide to build your own.

You may also want to consider having a run to start with . . . free ranging chickens is like ringing a dinner bell for land and aerial predators.

 

[ChickChickCoffee]

You may also want to consider having a run to start with . . . free ranging chickens is like ringing a dinner bell for land and aerial predators.

Yes! Absolutely starting with a run.