Can I raise Chicks in my backgarden?

[kashifk95]

Hi Guys!

I was thinking of incubating & hatching baby chicks but I'm not allowed to keep them in my house. I was wondering if you guys think it's possible I can build some sort of Brooder box so I can keep them in outside in the Garden? I also have a Coop I can put a brooder inside of.

Obviously this is something I would need to do in the summer as it gets quite cold in the winter.

What are your thoughts?

Many thanks!

 

[Ravynscroft]

Check this thread out and don't be afraid to ask questions on it, many good people there to help... think this might help you...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

 

[Pork Pie]

Great link above. Here's a search link that has other options that you may wish to consider

https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=wool+brooder

 

[azygous]

Where do you live? How cold is cold?

You might be interested in reading my BYC article on outdoor brooding. It's linked below this post.

Unless you're in the arctic or North Dakota, you may be fine brooding outdoors a little closer to spring.

 

[lazy gardener]

If you are allowed to use a safe extension cord outside, it would be possible to brood chicks outside. I live in the north, so can't imagine raising chicks without access to heat, but I'm sure there are folks in the south who do so.

 

[aart]

Many have brooded chicks in a coop.
Incubating in an outbuilding might be another story all together,
as a steady temp and humidity in the room the incubator is located can be pretty important.

 

[donrae]

Great links given above.

just wanted to add, I have the incubator inside but never, ever brood in the house. I have chicks that just hatched this morning. They'll be in the incubator a day or two, then out to the brooder in the (unheated) garage. I still use a heat lamp, in a large stock tank brooder, and the chicks do fine.

 

[kashifk95]

Hmm thanks for the feedback guys. I wont be able to run a cable out to my coop in my garden. Is there any 'wireless' or natural sources of heat I could possibly use?

 

[aart]

Hmm thanks for the feedback guys. I wont be able to run a cable out to my coop in my garden. Is there any 'wireless' or natural sources of heat I could possibly use?

A broody hen

 

[Jensownzoo]

Hmm thanks for the feedback guys. I wont be able to run a cable out to my coop in my garden. Is there any 'wireless' or natural sources of heat I could possibly use?

You might be able to combine a wool hen with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Snuggle-Safe-Pet-Microwave-Heating/dp/B00008AJH9

You would be experimenting though, so it would be really important to stay on top of things. Perhaps with a wireless thermometer so the temps could be monitored constantly.