Brooder in bedroom ok?

[SunnyCalifornia]

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LOL, I've been there... 4 chickens in the bathroom, and nowhere to put them!! Then winter hits, and I can't bear to think of throwing them out, because they've been in this whole time.... UGH! Last time I buy chicks in the fall!!

New spring chickens that I have stayed indoors for 2-3 weeks, then went outside all day, and just came in at night. Sigh! Much better, but still messy. Outdoors completely at 4 weeks.

 

[lisa_anne]

Have I not hit the dusty period yet maybe? I mean they scratch, but the walls of their brooder are so high I haven't had any dust issues worse than before they arrived. I have made huge messes with shavings and food, but that was because I am clumsy, not from the chicks

They spend most of their time scratching and eating or sitting on their perch and I spend most of my time cleaning up after myself.

 

[jenlynn4]

If keeping them in your bedroom could make you sick, I would be dead by now! Yes I keep all my babies in my room for 2 weeks after they hatch. I cant resist! I LOVE watching the little bitties! Then its out to the brooder in the garage. JEN

 

[duckyfromoz]

Same here Jenlynn4 I have ducklings in my room. They all start out there for a week before going on to other brooders set up in the spare room. I hatch year round- so have ducklings in my room often. I have also had a disabled duck who lived in a portable cot in my bedroom for a year as well- no health problems. I clean regularly- so I dont have an issue with the dust and dander.

I can understand people thinking that chickens ( or ducklings ) shouldnt be in the house...but how many dogs and cats live inside houses?? Most people find dogs and cats acceptable ... Its really not all that different. You still need to clean up after them all.

 

[Nicole01]

Mine are in the basement. I have 5 with the oldest 6-7 weeks old. Once they are older, they start to stink. I clean the brooder at least 15-20 times a day. I also use DE for odor. I'm waiting for the 2 week olds to grow up before moving everyone in the coop. I have 3 8-9 week olds in the coop. I'm finding it difficult to integrate the ones in the brooder that are fully feathered(I have 2), so they go in a group. I don't mind them in the house. They are our pets. We brought the 2 month olds in the house last night to give them a treat. My girls are extremely friendly to everyone.

 

[KimberlyJ]

Since you asked the question I'll give you my answer, just don't get upset

IF you MUST keep a brooder in your bedroom, once your BABY chicks start feathering out they should be moved. Bird feathers have a covering over them as they come thru the skin. This covering flakes off in tiny particles...some very fine. It's commonly refered to as bird dander. It should not be breathed into your lungs-especially during sleep when your breathing is shallower. Parrot breeders have long been told to not sleep with their birds. I have no allergies and no ill affects from having parakeets, cockateils, and love birds all breeding in my bedroom as I grew up, but it is still not recommended. Seriously, for your health, your bedroom is the last place to keep your chicks no matter how adorable they are. In addition, you'll all sleep better not being bothered by the other.... And yes I brood my babies in the house as long as I can stand the dust. I also have numerous (ok 20) assorted finches, weavers and button quail inside. But not in the bedroom!

 

[lisa_anne]

It is so nice to hear everyones' thoughts on this; thanks for them! I think today they will move to the bathroom and once their run and coop are put up they will move out there.

 

[Zonoma]

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Bathroom would be MUCH better because you can wipe down everything in there MUCH easier. I learned the hard way.