Bantams

[dustponds10]

Hello all, I just got a bunch of bantams. I have a GQF brooder and have thermometers set inside it. I do my best to keep it consistent around 99.5 but these things keep dying. Any tips or tricks to what you all do to keep them alive? They have water and food and heat? I had a similar problem last year. They do well for a day or two then I get a large die off. Not sure what’s going on b

 

[Tonyroo]

I'm assuming your talking about baby chicks?

Don't use that brooder, switch to a cardboard box with paper towels. And use a heat lamp with a 125 heat bulb. Remember to place the brood in an area that gets fresh air.

When metal heats up it releases fumes which will affect baby chicks.

 

[CapricornFarm]

As i move chicks from the incubator to the brooder, each one gets its beak dipped in the water of the drinker. This way they learn where and how to get water. I spread chick starter on the floor of the brooder, on top of a layer of drawer liner that is textured so chicks have a firm and easy surface to learn to walk on. Observe the chicks. If they huddle together under the light, they are not warm enough. If they go to one end of the brooder , away from the light, they are too hot. If they spread out, looking for food and drinking water and walking around, they likely are at a good temperature.

 

[mcdze]

yep, id say if its 99+ throughout with no cooler areas youve basically created a chick oven .. cardboard box with a light at 'one end' for heat, dont bake the whole box ..

 

[dustponds10]

I'm assuming your talking about baby chicks?

Don't use that brooder, switch to a cardboard box with paper towels. And use a heat lamp with a 125 heat bulb. Remember to place the brood in an area that gets fresh air.

When metal heats up it releases fumes which will affect baby chicks.

Yes I am talking about baby chicks. Last year I got a bunch and seems like some did great others were not so great! Thank you for the I put!!

 

[dustponds10]

yep, id say if its 99+ throughout with no cooler areas youve basically created a chick oven .. cardboard box with a light at 'one end' for heat, dont bake the whole box ..

My brooder is in a ventilated garage with windows open and a breeze. The GQF has 250 other chicks in it that are all doing well. The only difference is these were shipped in and the others Even other bantams that I raise are just fine.