Our hens have decided that January/February in N Maine is the time to hatch chicks. We've had 5 hatch two weeks ago and we brought them inside to a dog cage in the kitchen. We have a large box in the barn that we built out of old window screens last year, but its too big to bring inside. Another hen is broody and I candled a couple of the eggs and we'll probably have more by the end of the week. A neighbor gave us a 50's Hudson brooder that I am going to use if we hatch more. Just want to double check that I shouldn't put any new chicks with the older chicks yet? Also, how long should I wait to move them to the larger brooder/grow out box in the barn(with a heat lamp)? This is our first time hatching our own. I would have liked to have kept them with the mamas, but space and temps aren't allowing that right now. Also, the brooder has a mesh floor with a tray underneath to catch the droppings. Will this be ok? I've always had the chicks in a box with shavings. Thanks for any advice.
