Brooder set up and general questions.

[MastrangeloFamily]

Hello everyone. This is our first time raising chickens. Just would like a brooder check. And our brooder plates are sinking into the bedding, is that a problem? I have raised them so the front is higher than the back. We have a multitude of chickens coming; Australorps, Whitings, Brahmas, Sussexs, Cochins, and Wyandottes. Also we opted in for the free chick. That brings us up to 28.

 

[ButtonHoarder]

I don’t really have any experience with brooder plates.. @CHlCKEN you wrote an article about brooder didn’t you?

 

[wordgirl]

Great ingenuity using the storage bins and hardware cloth. I like that the top is well-ventilated but you have draft-free sides.

What bedding do you have down right now?

Keep in mind that 28 chicks will grow quickly. I'm not exactly sure how big your brooder is, but I anticipate they'll need a bigger space within a week or two.

I'm sorry, I haven't used heat plates so I can't speak to that, but I'm sure someone who does will chime in!

You are going to have fun with that assortment of breeds!

 

[MastrangeloFamily]

Great ingenuity using the storage bins and hardware cloth. I like that the top is well-ventilated but you have draft-free sides.

What bedding do you have down right now?

Keep in mind that 28 chicks will grow quickly. I'm not exactly sure how big your brooder is, but I anticipate they'll need a bigger space within a week or two.

I'm sorry, I haven't used heat plates so I can't speak to that, but I'm sure someone who does will chime in!

You are going to have fun with that assortment of breeds!

Thank you for your reply. I'm using straw, it's what the hatchery recommend. I am allergic though so I'm regretting the choice.

 

[janiedoe]

It isn't a problem unless it is unstable and could tip over. (They need it close to the bedding so that they can touch their backs to it.) I'd take out the straw and put the brooder plate in first and then push the straw up under it. Or in your case, since your alergic I'd toss the straw and use large pine flakes. You can cover them with paper towels for a few days if your worried about the chicks eating them. (Mine never have.)
Good luck with your new chicks!

 

[Kiki]

28 chicks in this bin will be too small come one week.
You can use paper towels on the floor instead of straw.

 

[tigger19687]

I had Paper Towels and then put shavings in, I've since moved most of the shavings to one side and out more PT down. Super easy to roll up and put more down with that many chicks.
Yes, your brooder is too small for that many chicks