Need Tips on Raising My 5-Week-Old Chickens!

General Poultry Farming
1

Seeking Advice on Caring for 5-Week-Old Chickens

I recently got a batch of chickens, and they are now 5 weeks old! I’m looking for advice on how to best care for them as they grow. Here are a few specific areas where I need guidance:

1. Temperature Requirements

I’ve heard different things about how warm they need to be at this age. Should I still have a heat lamp on them, or is it safe to reduce the heat? What’s the ideal temperature for them now?

2. Moving Outside

When is it safe to move them outside? I have a coop ready, but I’m not sure if they’re ready to transition just yet. What signs should I look for to know they’re ready?

3. Feeding Practices

What should I be feeding my 5-week-old chicks? I want to make sure they’re getting the right nutrition for healthy growth. Are there specific feeds you recommend for this age?

4. Growth and Feathering Stages

At 5 weeks, how can I tell if they’re growing properly? Are there particular milestones I should keep track of, like feather growth or size?

5. Health Concerns

Lastly, are there any common health issues I should watch out for at this stage? Any signs of illness or distress I should be on the lookout for?

Thank you in advance for any tips or experiences you can share. I really want to make sure I’m doing right by my chickens as they grow up! Your advice is greatly appreciated!

2

Congratulations on your new chicks! At 5 weeks, they really need a balanced diet. Start with a quality chick starter feed, which should have around 20% protein.

3

Great advice! Also, consider adding some grit if they’re foraging. It’ll help their digestion!

6 Likes
4

I’ve heard that at this age, niacin is essential for their growth. A good supplement can really make a difference.

4 Likes
5

Absolutely! Watch for leg issues; if they’re not getting enough niacin, they might start to wobble.

6

Check their droppings too! Healthy droppings look like a combination of brown and white. Any changes could indicate a health issue.

1 Like
7

Great point! I’ve learned so much just by observing how they behave. Signs like lethargy or ruffled feathers aren’t good.

8

Be sure to give them plenty of fresh water! Hydration is key, especially in warm weather.

9

I totally agree! Plus, make sure their waterers are clean to avoid any nasty bacteria.

10

Are there any signs we should specifically be looking out for in case one of them isn’t feeling well?

11

Definitely! If they are isolating themselves or not eating, that’s a red flag. Act quickly!

12

Raising chicks feels a bit like being a parent! You worry about everything! But it’s also super rewarding when you see them grow strong.

13

For 5-week-old chickens, make sure they have enough space! Ideally, each chick should have at least 2 square feet of space. This helps in preventing pecking and ensures they can move comfortably.

14

Absolutely! Also, don’t forget about their bedding. Straw or wood shavings work best. It’s easy to clean and keeps their environment dry.

2 Likes
15

Speaking of bedding, make sure to replace it regularly! Clean bedding can help prevent diseases in your flock.

16

How about temperature? What temperature should I be keeping the coop at for these little ones?

7 Likes
17

At 5 weeks, you want to maintain a temperature around 70°F. They can start to acclimate to cooler temperatures if they’ve been properly managed before this. Just watch for signs of them being too cold!

18

And don’t forget about predator protection! A secure coop with good locks is essential to keep them safe during the night.

19

Yes, and if you can, consider adding hardware cloth instead of just chicken wire; it’s much tougher against predators!

3 Likes
20

Also, they love to dust bathe! Make sure they have a spot with dirt or sand for this. It keeps their feathers clean and healthy.

3 Likes