Brooder too small

[ValerieJ]

It's a radiant heat plate by Producer's Pride. Sorry.

You're in good shape with that one. They do not need to touch it, but it wont hurt them if they do. To me it is a no-fail safe way to keep chicks warm.

 

[RebelChief]

You're in good shape with that one. They do not need to touch it, but it wont hurt them if they do. To me it is a no-fail safe way to keep chicks warm.

Thank you. Makes me feel better. I am lucky that one of my aunts is coming in Friday and she's experienced with chickens. I have help for the first week.

 

[ValerieJ]

Thank you. Makes me feel better. I am lucky that one of my aunts is coming in Friday and she's experienced with chickens. I have help for the first week.

That’s awesome. Wish I had someone like that when I started out. My neighbor and I were sort of the blind leading the blind for a while. Surprisingly all our chicks survived.

 

[RebelChief]

That’s awesome. Wish I had someone like that when I started out. My neighbor and I were sort of the blind leading the blind for a while. Surprisingly all our chicks survived.

It just worked out that it was happening at the same time. . She owns a wilderness camp in north eastern Canada so she's handy at a lot of things.

 

[Thomas70]

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I would take the brooder plate back and get a heat lamp. The heat lamp works very well for me. Your space is adequate for 8 chicks. I had 15 chicks is about the same space that did well.

 

[RoosterML]

I would take the brooder plate back and get a heat lamp. The heat lamp works very well for me. Your space is adequate for 8 chicks. I had 15 chicks is about the same space that did well.

Why in the world would she do that. A heat plate is far better than a heat lamp.

 

[Jac Jac]

I originally planned to only have 4 chicks so I set up my brooder in a 100 gallon galvanized metal trough. Now because I had to order more for delivery to my zipcode (8 total) I'm worried I don't have enough space. I went with the brooder plate instead of a heat lamp which takes up half of the darn space if I sit it in there so I plan to suspend it. Should I just get something bigger before they arrive or am I over thinking it? Can I start them in there and move them out as they get bigger? They will be in my garage (insulated and relatively warm in general) so I could set up the panels to give them a bigger space as they grow.

Yes...I'm a nervous mom and they aren't even here yet.

Seems like reasonable spacing for your starter brood. However, you will naturally have to move them - they grow quickly so do take a lot of pics of your newbies. Suspending the heat lamp is an excellent idea especially since the garage is heated and insulated. Sounds like you are well on your way to being a good caring chicken mama. Don't second guess yourself, a little fretting is expected.

 

[Finnie]

Did the chicks arrive yet? Where are the pictures?

 

[munchkinlover]

Thanks for posting your questions/concerns. I totally understand. New mom's don't always know what they are doing and it makes us nervous. You will do fine and I wish you great success. Good times ahead!!!

 

[RebelChief]

Seems like reasonable spacing for your starter brood. However, you will naturally have to move them - they grow quickly so do take a lot of pics of your newbies. Suspending the heat lamp is an excellent idea especially since the garage is heated and insulated. Sounds like you are well on your way to being a good caring chicken mama. Don't second guess yourself, a little fretting is expected.

Thank you. I have done the first raising of the plate and they seem to be fine. No huddling together. The garage is staying very comfortable so I don't think they will ever be cold. They are growing so fast.