Brooder setup opinions

[Harmoni]

This is our current setup. I have a small space heater blowing on the bin keeping it between 82-85 degrees. I have a heat plate coming today. We orginally had a heat lamp until I read how bad those were.
I will be adding a bowl of grit/ sand bath bowl.
I feel like I am missing something.
Also, advice on waterers. I have a nipple one outside with my big girls and they hate it. I'm assuming I should introduce a nipple waterer to the chicks sooner rather than later, right?

 

[Waters-flock]

I found a cute waterer that has openings for two nipples on one side and two at a higher level on the other side (for when the chicks are a few weeks old). Don’t have the girls yet so I can’t attest to how well it works yet.

 

[MountainWoman73]

I'd take that lid off. Chicks need a lot of air circulation and ventilation. Once they start to fly a little, cover it with something like chicken wire or a grate. I regularly use the extra oven rack from my oven as a brooder lid.

 

[Harmoni]

I found a cute waterer that has openings for two nipples on one side and two at a higher level on the other side (for when the chicks are a few weeks old). Don’t have the girls yet so I can’t attest to how well it works yet.

Where did you get it from? I have the one from Premier 1 supplies and my big girls don't care for it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

This is our current setup. I have a small space heater blowing on the bin keeping it between 82-85 degrees. I have a heat plate coming today. We orginally had a heat lamp until I read how bad those were.
I will be adding a bowl of grit/ sand bath bowl.
I feel like I am missing something.
Also, advice on waterers. I have a nipple one outside with my big girls and they hate it. I'm assuming I should introduce a nipple waterer to the chicks sooner rather than later, right?

More ventilation is what you're missing.
Can you place a screen over the top instead of the lid?

 

[Harmoni]

I'd take that lid off. Chicks need a lot of air circulation and ventilation. Once they start to fly a little, cover it with something like chicken wire or a grate. I regularly use the extra oven rack from my oven as a brooder lid.

I have to have a well attached lid to protect them from the toddler and the cats.

 

[Harmoni]

More ventilation is what you're missing.
Can you place a screen over the top instead of the lid?

I can drill more holes in the lid. There are about 65 holes in the lid.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have to have a well attached lid to protect them from the toddler and the cats.

I can drill more holes in the lid. There are about 65 holes in the lid.

Do you have a spare room that the chicks can go into so you can give better ventilation?

 

[Harmoni]

Do you have a spare room that the chicks can go into so you can give better ventilation?

Only the bathrooms. One is too small for the bin and the other stays relatively cold even in FL.
More holes wouldn't help? I debated a screen but I'm not sure a screen would hold a cat's weight.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If holes are your only option, then yes...I would put more holes in the lid and some along the sides as well, the cat is plugging up holes