Suggestions for Large Brooder with Pictures

[Jess_C_in_the_505]

Hello all! I am new to raising chickens and to BackYard Chickens and I am hoping you all can help me with my brooder. I am so very excited to be getting 6 beautiful girls on May 25th. We just started remodeling one of our bathrooms but everything was put on hold because the bathtub is on back order for 12 weeks so I thought this is the perfect spot for the brooder. I built a very sturdy 4' x 4' brooder for the girls to grow in. I got it all set up and ready for their arrival however, after looking at it all complete I wondering if it is too large for 1-2 week old chicks and I am having trouble maintaining a consistent 95 degree heat. I purchased No Light Heat Lamps to heat the brooder and I can lower the lamp or add a second but my husband suggested we add a piece of plywood and the brooder can grow with the girls. I was hoping I could get your suggestions or ideas on what I can do to ensure the brooder is ready and comfortable for the girls. Any suggestions are welcomed! Thank you for the help!

 

[21hens-incharge]

You don't need or want the entire brooder to be that temp. They require the ability to get out of the heat.

All they need is a warming space for when they feel like they need it.

For example a broody hen provides that for her chicks but they have to get out from under her to eat and drink.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Couple things. No it's not too large for 6 chicks that age

I am having trouble maintaining a consistent 95 degree heat. I purchased No Light Heat Lamps to heat the brooder and I can lower the lamp or add a second

95F is too hot for chicks that age. 85-90 is really about as hot as it should get. And you only want heat in one part of the brooder, do not heat the entire area, chicks need to be able to escape heat and cool down.

 

[BastyPutt]

It's good to get an initial temp to make sure you are in the ball park, then just pay attention to the behaviors of the chicks. Don't get too hung up on temps.

But with a nice big brooder like that, you shouldn't have any trouble as the other posters have said with chicks regulating their own temps.