Day-old chicks - yes or no?

**Nicos** · 06-04-2009, 01:30 PM

Weeeeelllll.....

You've not had the 'fun' of turning the eggs and watching them hatch- but if that doesn't bother you, then at least you know they've all hatched!
Urmm....you'll have some males in that bunch unless you buy a 'colour coaded' variety of females
Urmm...you'll have to wait 6 months for eggs
Urmm...they'll be great fun to have and watch develop!!!!

I'd go for it- the kids will adore them- and it'd be cheaper and easier than a baby lamb!!!!

I'd just make sure they're mostly females if you can!

Lovely idea!!!

**Birdie Wife** · 06-04-2009, 02:03 PM

I'm sure you know this already but be sure to do some research on what type of chicks you're getting - some table breeds can really easily go off their legs (ie put on so much weight in a short spce of time that their legs can't support them) and need extra care to make sure that they are eating moderately. If you're set up with the right equipment for looking after the little fluffy bundles, then I don't see why not

**Suechooks** · 06-04-2009, 02:05 PM

Originally posted by shirlthegirl43 View Post

Sorely tempted to buy some day-old chicks for the sons as Easter prezzies. My mum did this for my brother, sister and me years ago and it was great fun.

Any advice or reasons why to / why not to would be appreciated.

Please will you be my mum Shirl! I've hinted to OH and DD but there's no chance I'll get anything live or my birthday or Easter!!!!!
What a lovely pressie for them!

**shirlthegirl43** · 06-04-2009, 02:25 PM

The advert in the local paper says 'most breeds available' - any advice on a good breed to go for so that we can identify girls please? The ones my mum got were Warrens so all girls.

We don't have any special equipment for them but when we did it years ago the chicks slept in the kitchen in a box with blankets and a hot water bottle. Seemed to work then so thought we would go the same route (only with chicks in the bathroom as that can be shut off from dog and cat)

**Flummery** · 06-04-2009, 03:03 PM

Most of the popular hybrids seem to be sex linked so you can be sure of girls. Some of the others are different at day old - Snadger has some that he could tell early on.

**Suechooks** · 06-04-2009, 03:07 PM

Try googling auto-sexing breeds. There are some weird and wonderful ones on the list!

**shirlthegirl43** · 06-04-2009, 03:45 PM

Bummer, now Madmax turns round as I am about to phone the person advertising and says we can't have any chicks

Sulking now

**Flummery** · 06-04-2009, 03:52 PM

Only sulking? I'd stamp me feet too!

**Nicos** · 06-04-2009, 03:54 PM

And soooo...have you bought them yet?????

..he just wanted to get some to surprise you for Easter I'll wager!!

**davefromthechipie** · 06-04-2009, 05:39 PM

Originally posted by shirlthegirl43 View Post

Sorely tempted to buy some day-old chicks for the sons as Easter prezzies. My mum did this for my brother, sister and me years ago and it was great fun.

Any advice or reasons why to / why not to would be appreciated.

Hi shirl If you mum did that for you and it was great then its a no brainer , do it

kids love little pets it also keeps them off the computer games

only downside it's more then likely your end up having to clean/feed them as kids will get bored of doing the hard work lol

**shirlthegirl43** · 06-04-2009, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by davefromthechipie View Post

Hi shirl If you mum did that for you and it was great then its a no brainer , do it

kids love little pets it also keeps them off the computer games

only downside it's more then likely your end up having to clean/feed them as kids will get bored of doing the hard work lol

The boys are old enough to do those things - 18 and 13 - and help lots with the hens and dog and cat. However, Madmax has said no and that, I guess, is that.

**Nicos** · 06-04-2009, 05:45 PM

Get him on line Shirl...tis about time he showed his face on here !!!!

**madmax** · 06-04-2009, 06:04 PM

Originally posted by Nicos View Post

Get him on line Shirl...tis about time he showed his face on here !!!!

Face all scrunched up in pain. Smacked my elbow on the shed door while starting up the generator.

As for the chooklets.... NO, NO and double NO.

We have sooooo much going on at the moment as well as a house that looks like it's been nuked. So no-where for the chooklets to go I am afraid Nicos. Except the rotisserie.

BTW - Hi folks!

**Nicos** · 06-04-2009, 06:11 PM

Oh well....worth a try eh??

good to hear from you again!

looks like shirl will have to get a baby , orphaned lamb then instead?????

Ps- hope the elbow gets better soon

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