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Question about lighting

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post #1 of 2

3/8/12 at 5:07pm

Thread Starter

ColbertCoop

Location: Spokane, Washington
Joined: 2/2012
Posts: 9
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So I'm SUPER excited as a first timer to be getting my chicks this Tuesday. I have a few questions about the brooder situation that I haven't found anywhere in my searches.

My brooder will be a 50 gallon rubbermaid tote and I'm getting 9 chicks. How long can I expect to be able to keep them in there before they outgrow the space? Our coop should be built by end of March/early April, but it's still pretty cold at night around here.

Also, the brooder will be in our powder room where there are no windows/shower (no worry about humidity), but should I leave the room light on in addition to the heatlamp? All the time or just during the day? I know it sounds dumb, but I've just never done this before

Starting with paper towels on the bottom, when should I put pine shavings down?

Thanks so much in advance for your suggestions/advice. Have a great evening!

~Jennifer

Me, Hubby and little miss Amanda (almost 2 years) living the life with our horse (Tandy), two dogs (Libby and Lucy), two cats (Chloe and Miles) and nine chicks (hopefully all ladies).

~Jennifer

Me, Hubby and little miss Amanda (almost 2 years) living the life with our horse (Tandy), two dogs (Libby and Lucy), two cats (Chloe and Miles) and nine chicks (hopefully all ladies).

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post #2 of 2

3/10/12 at 2:24pm

ChickensAreSweet
Heavenly Grains for Hens

Location: Pacific NW- where the Douglas Firs grow
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You will probably want to give them more space after a couple to three weeks, from my experience.

I have never used the red lamps so cannot advise you on that question. If it seems dim, you might turn a light on for them during the day. They do need light.

I would put pine shavings down immediately with paper towels on top for the first few days. Throw some food on the towels for them to peck at.

Enjoy your chicks!

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Egyptian Fayoumis are one of the world's treasures and are magnificent creatures.