Brooding Unit

[cluckadoodledoo13]

Hi, i’ve posted a previous thread explaining that my broody hen gave up on me suddenly with 8 days still to go (7 today). Because i wasn’t expecting to have to hand rear them, could anyone explain to me what to put the chicks in if any hatch after the incubator? Any tips would be much appreciated. I’ve read up about something called a brooding unit though i’m struggling to understand what one of them actually is?

 

[Cragg Klefor]

A brooder is simply a secure place where you can contain the chicks. You can use a plastic tote, a large wooden box, anything where the chicks will be safe from dogs/cats/rats - everything, and where they can not get out of. You will need a heat source, first week they need temperature of 95 degrees fahrenheit to be reduced by 5 degrees each week. Heat source: Heat plate, heat lamp, heat panel, lots to choose from. Personally I much prefer the heat plates. Safe, easier to use and low power usage. If using a heat lamp please also use a thermometer.
You'll also need food - chick starter, and something to put it in, plus something to put their drinking water in. For first week I prefer to use puppy pads underneath them, then I introduce pine shavings. At this stage also supply them with Chick Grit as they will need it to aid digestion when they are swallowing anything other than chick starter (they will nibble on the bedding). Make sure your heat source is at one side of the brooder and the other side is a cooler area as they need to cool off also. Place their food and water at the cool side.. I hope they hatch for you!

 

[cluckadoodledoo13]

A brooder is simply a secure place where you can contain the chicks. You can use a plastic tote, a large wooden box, anything where the chicks will be safe from dogs/cats/rats - everything, and where they can not get out of. You will need a heat source, first week they need temperature of
95 degrees fahrenheit to be reduced by 5 degrees each week. Heat source: Heat plate, heat lamp, heat panel, lots to choose from. Personally I much prefer the heat plates. Safe, easier to use and low power usage. If using a heat lamp please also use a thermometer.
You'll also need food - chick starter, and something to put it in, plus something to put their drinking water in. For first week I prefer to use puppy pads underneath them, then I introduce pine shavings. At this stage also supply them with Chick Grit as they will need it to aid digestion when they are swallowing anything other than chick starter (they will nibble on the bedding). Make sure your heat source is at one side of the brooder and the other side is a cooler area as they need to cool off also. Place their food and water at the cool side.. I hope they hatch for you!

Thank you so much, that’s being a big help! Fingers crossed we get some chicks after all they’ve been through.