Brooding In Plasitc Sterilite Tubs

[nuthatched]

I don't think it's your post offices fault, considering that you've lost all 60. If it was, you would not lose that many. I think it's your set up or something in your home. The heater could be releasing fumes or they are just over heating.

 

[Tonyroo]

I agree with nuthatched. Plastics give off toxic fumes when heated.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

This the heater that I use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph_o9qNwb90
I can adjust the heat with thermostat if 95 is to hot. What is the best temp for brooding?

That's pretty hot, especially for 20 chicks in a small space.
I might have a spot in one end of the brooder that is that high, but they must have lots of cool space.
A mother hen doesn't make all the ambient air 95F. She just provides a warm spot for the chicks to warm up in but most of the day the chicks are running around in the cold. Much more natural and healthier.

I don't think it's your post offices fault, considering that you've lost all 60. If it was, you would not lose that many. I think it's your set up or something in your home. The heater could be releasing fumes or they are just over heating.

Agreed.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

None

Well that's a sign that the problem happened after they arrived.

 

[LindaDamico]

I have tried to brood a total of 60 chicks (20 at a time) in plastic sterilile tubs, you know... the ones you get at wal mart. All three broods died completeley. I am trying to find out if the plastic is bad for the chicks. On the other hand I have a really crappy Post office that lets the chicks stay overnite before they call me to come pick them up. This was on all three broods. Is it the plastic or is it the fact that the chicks were in the shipping box without food & water for 96 hours (4 days)

Teflon is in many tin cans these days as well as cooking (under various names), toasters, appliances. In tin cans you will see a white lining. My parottlets died (almost instantly in the next room) from me heating mason jar tops that had this white lining in the oven at a very low temperature. Check carefully for hidden sources! Even some heat bulbs have it.

 

[Lizzy733]

There needs to be a heat gradient - hot and cool ends and 60 is a 'lot' for a bin setup. They could overheat and suffocate each other easily. They need space to move around and be able to escape the heat. Food and water should be placed away from the heat source as well. The can be sensitive to fumed, but the plastic tote won't be the thing offgassing.

What size are you using? It'd want 2-3sqm of space for 60 chicks and one side being heated, likely with multiple caged bulbs, but admittedly, I've never raised that many at once.

Monitor the next batch's behavior for signs of overheating, stress etc. I'd add a bit if vitamin to their water initially too after the long trip.

 

[jreardon1918]

I too could not see the Youtube. But if it is forced hot air into a plastic tub, Then the temp would be consistent in the whole tub. Sounds like the heat system to me.

 

[jreardon1918]

I too could not see the Youtube. But if it is forced hot air into a plastic tub, Then the temp would be consistent in the whole tub. Sounds like the heat system to me.

I got the video to play. I am pretty sure sending 95 degree forced hot air into the tub is overheating them. They have no cool spots.

 

[Jaime918]

Thanks for your advice. I think the loss is due to the post office not notifying me immediatley when the chicks arrive. At any rate the chicks are guranteed for 48 hrs after I get them so the hatchery is replacing all of them. I will call the post office tomorrow and let them know to expect the shipment. The tubs are 30 gallon capacity and I have three of them so thats 6 or 7 chicks per tub. Is thatenough space for them to grow enough to maintane their own body heat or at least until they're 6 weeks old?

I have 5 in a 50 gallon(39L*21W) and honestly I wouldn't want more than 10 in it and that's pushing it for me especially anything after a few weeks of age in just my first experience with chicks. Here is mine.

 

[aart]

I got the video to play.

How did you do that?