Hello all,
Decision time...got the coop sorted...read loads....ready to make the commitment, but, I cannot decide which is best to start with chicks or POL hens. Reason for the indecision is they are going to be pets as well as anything else, we have a 3yr old daughter and I think it will be a good thing for her to see them grow into fully formed hens.
Also much cheeper!
Opinions please.
Thanks.
Hi,
So, for context, I've kept hens for the last few years always either buying POL, or getting them free from friends.
I've never raised chicks, but I know friends and relatives who have.
From what I know, I'd suggest that POL will be easier, and less 'risky'.
Apologies if you're already aware of all of this, but with chicks you'll need to invest in a heat lamp to keep their wee bodies warm, along with a specialist feeder & water source. I think there is a risk that they'll dunk themselves in water otherwise.
You'll need to buy chick crumbs, as they have different requirements to bigger birds - so that'll cost a bit more.
The reason I say that it's less 'risky', is that with a POL bird, you can be fairly confident that they're in good health. Of course, they may be poorly & hiding it for you to find out later - but with chicks they may have genetic defects, that come to the surface as they grow. With POL, they'd already be evident (mostly).
Plus, depending on the breed, you may not know whether you've got wee boys or wee girls if you buy as chicks.
You'll have to keep the chicks inside as they grow, and keep a close eye on them. I don't know how long for. With POL, you can put them straight into the coop - and off you go.
I love the idea of bringing chicks up from scratch (excuse the pun) as I've got young kids and I know they'd love to see it. However, you have to consider that you may have some die, which you'll need to explain.
You'd also have to consider how old your children are, and whether they'd be handling them etc.
Of course, that applies to buying POL as well, but the chicks will probably be more fragile.
Is it perhaps an option to start with POL now, then expand with chicks later?
Personally, I'd suggest that POL would be simpler to get things started.
Whatever you decide, you'll certainly not regret inviting chickens into your family life. We wouldn't be without ours now. Best of luck, Rob.
Superb answer, it has cleared up the issue for me, makes a lot of sense.
Thanks Rob.
Yes..I would go for POL for first time too...I did...this present lot I have I had from chicks..and they came with broody..she was for a loan until chicks were big enough..and you won't get anywhere near the chicks...broody won't let you.. ::)..so it is not much fun for a kids..
I normally have mine about 9-10 weeks old pullets..they are already sexed and got over they first lessons in life, any major problems in their development would show by then..they are old enough to be without heat lamp and young enough to be 'tamed'...
POL's are normally around 15-18 weeks old or so ..you can take them younger, chicks are not only option..and most suppliers will give you what you want..chicks are cheapest option..but you will end up with some cockerels after that around 10 weeks old are next cheapest option..with POL's you will end up paying top 'dollar'..depending of breed and supplier, prices vary..I have always payed around £3-£5 for 9-10 weeks old pullets.
Thanks Goodlife. 8-10 weeks old is what I wil aim for. Going to perfect poultry in Surrey tommorow to get a better idea of whats available at the moment as we will be going for bantams and they seem to have a lot of different types.