Brooder with 1/2" wire floor

[Dr.Doorlock]

First question: I made the brooder of 1/2" square welded wire so that my peeps feet would not be touching the cold concrete of our garage floor. They are 2 1/2 weeks old and show no signs of this being a problem other than an occasional stumble. I like the idea of them not walking in their own poop and I can move the brooder onto fresh newspaper and easily clean up the whole mess. Can the wire floor create a problem?

Second question: I feel I already have the answer after reading up in the forum. I was worried because their poo started smelling a bit different and there was no change of food. I also noticed a shiney reddish brown color in some of the leavings. After visiting the sight with poo pictures, I feel I should not be concerned. It's soooooo nice to have you all out there for support.

Third question: One of my 3 Boston Terriers is absolutely obsessed with the chicks. The other two and the cat are not interested. Delroy Lindo (the most gentle and loving dog you could imagine) once killed a baby bird before we could get him away and save the poor thing. I plan on bringing the chicks into the house (in their brooder) for short periods just to see if he can get used to them. If he settles down, I want to bring them out and introduce them while I hold them, followed by letting them roam in front of Delroy. Do you feel this plan will allow Delroy to "get over it"?

 

[Mikeeeeeeeeee]

1. People have brooded chicks on wire for longer than I have been alive, and thats a long time.

2. Regular poo and Cecal poo. Cecal poo is loose and smells different.

3. Be careful with this one. But also let me encourage you.
My beagle mix who is 10 years old killed a chicken when she was much younger. I went for 7-8 years without chickens after moving. When I got new chickens she seemed to be a different dog. I had a brooder in the garage and placed her dog bed beside it. She became the chick's watchdog.