brooder size and other ???

[catterbug]

Is it better for the chicks to have a bigger brooder or one that is just big enough to fit the chicks, water and food.

Also, for the flooring, to start do I just put paper towels and then switch after a few days to chips or should I do chips with paper towels on top and then take the towels off?

Can I use a 1 gallon drinker and a 7 pound feeder from the start? I really don't want to buy more feeding supplies than I need to. Also would these be good sizes to have for 6 chickens when they are adults. What types do you recommend?

 

[Tiramisu]

A bigger brooder will be better since the chicks will grow pretty fast the first few months. Unless you have different brooders to move them later, bigger is better.

You can do either paper towels or shavings. When I got my 3 day olds, they went right onto shavings. Shavings can get messy though when they kick it into their water, so if you get shavings, find something to prop the water up higher so not as much can be kicked in, if you use shavings.

not sure on waterer and feeder.

 

[Laurajean]

I use paper towels because it is easy to change and I'm allergic to wood dust, but I think it's personal preferance. As far as the waterer and feeder be careful. I have the tiny chick feeders, and even though they will outgrow it soon, right now it's ideal because they only have enough room to fit their beaks in. Anything larger, and they can fall asleep in it and drown. I've seen many chicks die this way; they'll fall asleep anywhere at any time!

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

The waterer and feeder will be fine Just put some marbles or flat stones in the tray. I usually use a large brooder so they have enough room under the lamp and do not pile. I have seen chicks trampled from this. I also put the heat lamp in the centr of the box rather then one the end or corner this also gives them more room to spread out under the lamp. The reason most people use paper towels the first few days is so the chicks dont slip and slide They can get splay leg if they cant get their feet under them correctly. I usually switch to sand after a few days. Its free and the chicks peck and get grit at the same time. There is also no smell with the sand. These are just my ideas and the way I always brood chicks thats not to say it is the only way.
Good luck and enjoy your biddies.