We have chickens!!!!!!!

[stanhol]

Hi all we finished their house and went out and bought some orpingtons, 9 weeks old and then the next day went and bought a few brahmas and a few cochin about 10 or 11 weeks old. In for a penny in for a pound!
Now we have to wait to reap our rewards. They are all settling in nicely, only we arent 100 % sure of the sex yet! The brahmas and cochin`s owner said to bring em back if they were all male! If any of the other are it`ll be the pot

One quick question, we are putting a little food and water in the house at night for them as they are so young. At what age should we stop doing this? When they start laying?

Many thanks,

Sandra

[Snadger]

I put food in the coop for mine, but purely to keep it dry! From what I can gather chooks don't feed or drink through the night?

PS forgot to mention..........congratulations stanhol.!! Not familiar with tuthers but the buff orpingtons are lovely!

[chicken slave]

Mine are now 5 weeks old and are still feeding and drinking through the night, I was told that from 10-12 weeks old they wouldn't need as much at night. My 6 just eat for fun and grow even faster than they can eat. I'm with Snadger I will be leaving food in the coop with them over night (even though I have a feeder that is weather and rodent proof outside). Water might not be such a good idea as mine just play in it and get it every where.
Congratulations and enjoy them and the strange antics.

[Topaz]

A decision you wont regret, have had my chooks 3 months now and i love it.

[Eyren]

Wow, well done! Much as I love my little bantams, it would be nice to have space for some of the really big breeds.