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In the Brooder
8 Years
Jun 19, 2011
57
0
39
Fernandina Beach Florida
So, I finally talked my mom into letting me get chickens. She said I could have 3 max and didn't care what I did so long as SHE didn't have to be taking care of them. No problem : D. So, now I'm wondering, what should I use for a brooder and supplies?

There is a feed store about 30 minutes away from home where I can buy chick feed, but they don't have heat lamps or bulbs. I was wondering if i could use an electric heater pad that is about 8 inches by 6 inches. I used this pad to brood a baby duck and it gets 93-98 degrees when on high. I measured that with my aquarium thermometer and it's pretty accurate. So I'd like some opinions on that over a bulb.

I also want to know if I could use a 29 gallon aquarium to put the chicks in? And do I have to use pine chips for liter or could I use maybe clean sand(aquarium/beach) or shredded newspapper?
 
The aquarium should work but not sure about the heating pad idea but better than nothing and hard to believe a feed store not having lamps or bulbs. You don't need a red heat bulb and can use a regular high watt white one.

You could use the unshreaded newspaper for the beginning few days and then use any of the above including dirt, however, pine chips would be best in my opinion.
 
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You can brood chicks in just about anything. I tend to avoid the aquariums only because they can be like ovens with the heat lamps.

There is a very good brooder thread HERE for tons of ideas on keeping baby chicks!!

Congratulations on your new chicks.


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You can get a clamp on light with reflector at Walmart or Home depot. If you are going to brood inside the house, you can use a 75 or 100 watt regular light bulb (not CFL) depending on how warm it is in the house. Don't trust the clamp. Add wire to hold it up.
 

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