Can A Brooder Be Too Big?

[OrpDotes]

I'd agree, overheating causes pasty butt and that in turn will kill chicks. Check their vents are clear of poop .

I'd agree, overheating causes pasty butt and that in turn will kill chicks. Check their vents are clear of poop .

Thanks for the response! I am moving them now!

 

[Kiki]

Also I will move them to the big brooder now.

Great.
I think the heat is causing your problems.
Moving them will work wonders for you.

 

[Fancychooklady]

In cramped spaces it's almost impossible to prevent the water from getting too warm and it harbours bacteria. Space allows the chicks to move away from the heat when they need to . I replace the water daily.

 

[OrpDotes]

My brooder is huge (it can easily hold 30+ chicks comfortably) and right now I only have 4 bantams in it. They love to run and fly and jump all over it!
Plus it is very easy to clean out.
I just put the heat lamp on one end, the feed and water in the middle, and they choose which side they want to be on whenever they want.

Nice! We will be moving them to the bigger coop now. Thanks for the response and God Bless!

 

[OrpDotes]

The bigger brooder will allow them to move away from the heat when they are over heating and lessen the likelihood of pasty butt. I would pop a small box or shoe box at the lamp end just so the sickly one doesn't stray too far from the heat.

I’ll move them to the bigger brooder. Thanks for the response!

 

[RodNTN]

Nice! We will be moving them to the bigger coop now. Thanks for the response and God Bless!

 

[Fancychooklady]

Sounds like you are on right track now. Good luck with your babies and never be afraid to ask for help.

 

[OrpDotes]

Do you think I should just wash it out with water or add soap?

 

[OrpDotes]

Thanks for the response! I am moving them now!

Here’s a pic for everyone of them in there new brooder! Talking a nap after half flying half running around checking out the new environment. Haha! Chickens are great!

 

[Fancychooklady]

Do you think I should just wash it out with water or add soap?

I just use a bottle cleaning brush and water. You could raise the feed and water dishes by popping a paver or a plank of wood under them. Nothing too high as you don't want them to struggle to get to it but just high enough to limit the amount of shavings that fouls up the water. If you find they are huddling lower the lamp a little.