Chicken tractor (to be used as permanent housing as well) is almost done, and I am thinking about chicks. I went to a couple of farm supply stores today, and one had chicks about 6+ weeks old all ready to go. I have been having trouble with the idea of keeping them inside for so long, so this would be great, but I wondered how old is too old to have them be well socialized (to the extent that a chicken can be). These will probably always be pets (I don't think I could eat something I named), so it is important that they are socialized enough to be handled, etc. I also thought that the earlier I get my dogs used to them, the easier it will be for the dogs. I have 2 dogs that have killed/eaten various types of birds before, never chickens, though. They were both raised with cats, and think cats are friends, but not sure if I can get them past that for the birds. Any advice appreciated. This will be my first time with chickens, and I want to get off to a good start.

Also, chicken tractor is 4 feet x 12 feet with 4 feet of 12 foot length being dedicated to nesting boxes and perch area. Does this sound big enough for 5-6 standard sized birds?

I have been lurking for a while, and reading a lot, so I hope these are not too silly of questions.

Sam