Brooder Question

[kristinhennifer]

Does this look good for a set up? I scored a free rabbit cage, hoping it works for a while!
Would love some ideas how to keep water clean.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Where will that be located, in a climate controlled area where the temperature stays constant or outside subject to temperature swings? What is the coolest temperature in that rabbit cage?

What the chicks need is a warm enough place in the coldest of temperatures and a cool enough place in the warmest of temperatures. That is not that hard to manage if you are in a climate controlled area but I can see 60 degree Fahrenheit swings in one day brooding outside. That makes it harder. I use a heat lamp in my 3' x 6' brooder in my coop. I can keep one area warm enough even when it is below freezing outside but when it warms up they can go to the far side and not overheat.

I personally don't like a heat lamp inside my house. It's easy to overheat the chicks and it heats up the house. But that is personal preference. People use them successfully but you need to be careful to not overheat the chicks.

You might try setting the waterer up on something (bricks?) to get it above the level of the bedding. As long as it is about the height of their backs they can drink without a problem. It needs to stay level so the water does not drain out of it and soak your brooder.

I'd suggest you go a bit further. Build a platform a few inches high that they need to hop up on to get to the waterer, and raise the waterer a bit above that, about back height. They will still scratch bedding up on the platform and eventually into the water but you can go a lot longer before you need to change the water.

 

[BabyMomma]

I am very new to raising chicks also! I have been watching many YouTube videos and learning different ideas. My favorite YouTuber is oakabode. She does wonderful, and has many informative videos. She suggests not to use any shavings the first few days you get your baby chicks because they really don’t know what to eat yet and may try eating the shavings. She also suggests a brooder heater plate versus a heat lamp. So I lined up my brooder with puppy potty pads. She said you can also use paper towels. And then, when you do use pine shavings, get the ones that are more ‘flake’ and not tiny little crushed up bits.
Also I do feel like your brooder needs to have solid sides to help hold in the warmth. But I am looking forward to see what other people say. I went to Walmart and purchased a 55 gallon plastic tub. I think it was $21.
Again, I am new also! Far from an expert!

 

[Altairsky]

My advice is to switch to a brooder plate, 12v for extra safety. I'd never use a heat lamp in your setup.

 

[BecksNesting]

Does this look good for a set up? I scored a free rabbit cage, hoping it works for a while!
Would love some ideas how to keep water clean. View attachment 4065186

Raise the waterer high enough were the chicks can't kick bedding material into it, but where they can easily get the water.

 

[Iluveggers]

I am very new to raising chicks also! I have been watching many YouTube videos and learning different ideas. My favorite YouTuber is oakabode. She does wonderful, and has many informative videos. She suggests not to use any shavings the first few days you get your baby chicks because they really don’t know what to eat yet and may try eating the shavings. She also suggests a brooder heater plate versus a heat lamp. So I lined up my brooder with puppy potty pads. She said you can also use paper towels. And then, when you do use pine shavings, get the ones that are more ‘flake’ and not tiny little crushed up bits.
Also I do feel like your brooder needs to have solid sides to help hold in the warmth. But I am looking forward to see what other people say. I went to Walmart and purchased a 55 gallon plastic tub. I think it was $21.
Again, I am new also! Far from an expert!

I use a plastic tub w my classroom chicks (I hatch yearly at school). One thing that works really well, is to cut a “window” in the side, and staple on netting or wire. The kids can see them moving around, and it allows much better airflow for such a small space. They only stay in school with me for about a week or so. When I brood at home I use either a XL dog crate lined w plastic garden fence (the holes otherwise allow escapees!), or a watermelon bin from the grocer if I can get my hands on one. Good luck!