2 questions about chicks

[aart]

We are building it this weekend, so we’ll have a few weeks to tweak it before they go in. We are going to use an 8x8 shed, and initially an enclosed run. My husband wants to free range, but we live in the woods so I’m not sure that would be safe for them.

Will it have power?

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

Also since I don't think anyone mentioned it yet, you need some sort of cover for the brooder as they start hopping around as they grow, and they can jump quite high. Some sort of netting or fairly small wire mesh is the best choice as it provides open air flow.

X2. Mine are just getting to that stage... had one almost jump out while changing the water... he/she tried sooo hard, but didn't quite make it out.

 

[amlee1234]

Welcome! Your brooder is a good start, and I do hope it has a cover too. If you've ordered any bantam chicks, they will likely get through those 1" wire openings, so hardware cloth would be best for them.
Make sure that your post office knows that chicks are coming, and that you want to be called immediately when they arrive! Visit in person, with your phone numbers, soonest.
Then, plan to have everything up and running, and get them right away.
I do hope your coop is ready, and if possible, have them out there in two or three weeks max. NOT indoors!
The only extra that I might use an electrolyte mix, for a couple of days, if they are stressed on arrival. Otherwise, good chick starter, fresh water, and dry bedding are what you need.
Have a plan if your electricity goes out! It's happened here, and just have that friend or relative warned and willing to 'chick sit' in an emergency...
Post pictures! We all love pictures!
Mary

There is a lid to the hutch, I just had it propped open. We are actually taking a road trip to pick up the chicks from the hatchery. We are just two hours away.
My husbands family has chicken and farm experience so they are our trusted chicken sitters.
Pictures are definitely coming!
Thanks

Will it have power?

We might run an extension cord if need be (it won’t be that far off from the house) but ideally no. We have solar lights we are going to install, going to make a solar heater for next winter, etc.. we are trying to make it as “off grid” as we can.

 

[aart]

We have solar lights we are going to install, going to make a solar heater for next winter, etc.. we are trying to make it as “off grid” as we can.

What are lights for?
Heater for keeping water thawed?

Are you in northern or southern Indiana?
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[amlee1234]

What are lights for?
Heater for keeping water thawed?

Are you in northern or southern Indiana?
Welcome to BYC!
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It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1674645

The lights are just Incase we need them. You never know. Plus we already have the solar lighting system, so why not use it? Yes, The heater would be to keep the water from freezing. I have seen many posts about chickens during the polar vortex this year, and I have concluded that if most of them were fine during that, they do not need supplemental heat in the winter. We live in southern Indiana in Brown County. I’ll try and see if I can figure out how to update all that on my phone. I’m only 30 but I’m technologically challenged

 

[aart]

Plus we already have the solar lighting system, so why not use it? Yes, The heater would be to keep the water from freezing.

Not sure if solar can run a heater 24/7...would depend on your collector and battery capacity.