Brooder questions...

[vjbakke]

These will be our first chicks ever. We already have the heat lamp, it is rated to 300watts. we're going to get a red 250 watt heat bulb. I have read there is a risk of fire if you use cardboard as a brooder box. We do have an old guinea pig cage with white metal top and a 10 gallon glass fish tank. We're only going to get 4 chicks. I am worried about using something plastic that it will melt.

Would it be ok to put the brooder in our garage if the temps are in the 40's? It's an uninsulated garage. We are also thinking of putting it in the basement, it is a bit damp down there this time of the year. We also have a cat inside, I don't know how she will be with them, she's normally shy. I know for sure if they are in the house our dog will try to get them.

I guess I'm a little scared of the heat lamps, the risk of fire during the night.

 

[AlienChick]

If you have a rubbermaid tub, that would work fine.

A large cardboard box will also work.

Get a thermometer and place it at floor level (chick level) to monitor the temp.

The flsh tank will probably get way too hot.

If you've got a dog kennel/crate, you can use that also by putting cardboard around the sides to prevent drafts.

Basements or garages are fine provided there are no drafts (and again keep monitoring the thermometer).

If the chicks are all tightly huddled underneath the heat lamp, they're too cold.

If the chicks are sleeping far away from the lamp, it's too hot in the brooder.

Good luck with your babies!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

As long as you keep the lamp away from the cardboard box, it will be OK. Make sure your lamp is secure. I don't care for the fish tank either. They get way to warm. I keep mine in the basement sometimes. I hang the lamp from the rafters in the ceiling and use a chain to raise and lower until I get the right temp. Then I secure the lamp to the hook with wire so there is no way it can come off. Good luck.