Brooding Question RE 2week Bobs

[bbqsfarm]

I am moving the babies into a bigger outdoor brooding box on my porch. Its 9 sq + feet. They are bedded on sand and pine shavings. When can I start adding things like hay and such for them to make nests and gathering spots.

I am wanting to add some hay and a few limbs for cover.

I know they will also bunch and kill themselves when tiny trying to keep warm.

I am just a little worried that night temps get lower outside etc.

This is my first hatch and and getting ready to start week 3 with no fatalities and hope to keep it that way.

 

[TwoCrows]

Bobs mature very slowly and can not tolerate cold temps early in life. So it is not advised to allow any chilling until they are at least 6 weeks of age. So make sure there are not any drafts on them at this age and keep the heat at the proper level as they age.

You can add hay, leaves and branches at any time. They will enjoy playing and climbing around on them. They will not won't be "nesty" until they mature, but they will still enjoy scratching around in the natural materials.

 

[bbqsfarm]

I have had the brooder running for 24 hours and my low temp stayed at 85 even over night. Right now is 90 but they can move out from under the light towards the sides. I have added solid walls and only have vented top so no drafts. I lined with the linoleum tiles on the bottom and it is against the house wall in a covered patio with 3 walls so unless we have a huge storm they will have no drafts and maybe not even then.

I was going to put in some hay and bamboo for cover.