Brooding: Inside or Outside?

[PolergirlOH]

I had my brooder outside in an uninsulated coop because it was my only choice. Used a heat plate and even in a several-day-long unexpected subzero snap my chicks did GREAT. They were barely under it and the ambient temp in the coop was single digits. All 13 survived and are turning 4 weeks old tomorrow.

Here’s my post on it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nsulated-coop-premier-heat-plate-ftw.1296262/

 

[aart]

so yesterday I moved them to the coop brooder.

Dude, @blackdog043, new brooder setup!!??
It's awesome!!
That big feeder tube, is it free standing....would think it's top heavy and tippy??

 

[WhoDatChick]

I had my brooder outside in an uninsulated coop because it was my only choice. Used a heat plate and even in a several-day-long unexpected subzero snap my chicks did GREAT. They were barely under it and the ambient temp in the coop was single digits. All 13 survived and are turning 4 weeks old tomorrow.

Here’s my post on it.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...nsulated-coop-premier-heat-plate-ftw.1296262/

That is so good to know.. I have been debating to wait or not to put them out.. it has been a bit chilly.. last night in the thirties.. during the day this week should be in the 60’s.. I know to yall in the north this is NOT cold.. but I do not like the cold and feel when it’s in the 60’s.. I am FREEZING out there! So I feel they may get chilled.. but I know when chicks are out with mama they are running about doing chicken stuff no matter the temp..
So, all of this info is helpful... thanks!

If I do put them out.. they will have access to the heat lamp..

 

[blackdog043]

Dude, @blackdog043, new brooder setup!!??
It's awesome!!
That big feeder tube, is it free standing....would think it's top heavy and tippy??

Yes, new brooder set up.
Yes it's free standing and not top heavy at all. I thought it would be also, looking at the design. I used a 3" to 2" reducer instead of 4" - 2" reducer, like used in the link. I made the 3" tube 20" high, but it could be 12" and hold plenty of feed. The picture is after a full day with 11 chicks using it, there isn't much feed on the platform.

 

[Shadrach]

I haven't 'brooded' chickens for years.
Someone told me a long time ago that is what hens are for. They do a good job from what I've seen and they do it outside.

 

[chickens really]

I Brooder raise Chicks first in my house the first week and then out in my garage Brooder before they go to the Coop. I use a heat lamp and only heat the end they sleep. I run heat in the Coop and they wean themselves off quickly.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I vote outside. You don't have to "hover" over chicks and constantly handle them to end up with nice friendly chickens. I have 4 four week old pullets in my outside brooder right now. I turn the heat lamp off during the day now and lifted it pretty high for the night times. They use the little roost and dig around in the straw. They come running for the feed! I have 3 five day old chicks in coop and run #2 with a broody hen. Five days old and today they are dust bathing with Maggie Mama! Chicks don't usually get to dust bathe at 5 days old in a brooder! Lucky chicks! I have 8 eggs in my new incubator too. What was I thinking? I already have 29 chickens. . . . .

 

[aart]

Yes it's free standing and not top heavy at all. I thought it would be also, looking at the design. I used a 3" to 2" reducer instead of 4" - 2" reducer, like used in the link. I made the 3" tube 20" high, but it could be 12" and hold plenty of feed. The picture is after a full day with 11 chicks using it, there isn't much feed on the platform.

Maybe start a thread on this feeder?
I have more questions but don't want to hijack this thread..
.....plus it's worthy of it's own thread.

 

[Cyprus]

Maybe start a thread on this feeder?
I have more questions but don't want to hijack this thread..
.....plus it's worthy of it's own thread.

And link that thread here!

 

[MagpieDucks]

I like to brood inside so they're easier to monitor and check up on. If one is choking you might find it within the next minute vs. in 2 hours...etc...