Bath tub brooder

[baileychic]

I am getting either 2 pekin ducks OR 6 chics from TSC tomorrow and I plan on using an old bathtub, (soon to-be-remoded bathroom) for my brooder. I think the bathtub complete with shower doors will be perfect, although I have a back up just in case. My question is how far away should the heat lamp be? I am using a red bulb. Should I just re-adjust until I reach the ideal temp? I am getting ready today so I will experment a little. Can the ducks eat the chick starter food? Thanks!

 

[midget_farms]

Ducks can eat chick starter I think - but I've never raised ducks.

Start with the lamp about 1 1/2 foot from the bottom. If the crowd around under it - your too high. If they pile up on the oposite side of the tub your too low, but with newbies its hard to get too low.

They know when they are comfortable & will show you real quick.

 

[artsyrobin]

they can eat non-medicated chick started, the medicated can make them sick- i use our spare bathroom for a brooder....so far they stay in the tub