can I use a bird cage for baby chicks?

[sheeshshe]

I have a bird cage that is a good size and thought that it would be perfect for baby chicks... It has the grate at the bottom so that their poop would fall through and land in the tray, making it so that they aren't stepping in their poop. Is this a good idea or is it a bad idea to use the cage for raising the chicks? do they need the soft bedding under their feet instead of the grate? will the cage make it so that they aren't as warm as say a box?

I can use a box if need be, I just didn't know which was preferable... I noticed that using a small animal cage was recommended on the chick raising page... but I wasn't sure if that was the type of cage with a grate at the bottom or not.

Thank you!!! My chicks arrive in 2 days!!!!

ETA: I am getting 4 chicks.

 

[NotTheMomma]

with 4 chicks, you should be fine! Just put some cardboard around the sides to hold the heat in, and keep drafts away. I had mine in a large birdcage, but the cage was on it's side so they had more room. I also has more than 4 chicks! They'll quickly outgrow any brooder, so you'll be fine!

 

[sheeshshe]

so it is fine that they don't have the bedding stuff to walk in then? its ok for their little feet on the grate?

 

[4hooves&featheredfriends]

I would recommend using paper towel for the first week, rather than allowing them to be on the grate. The grate might put unnecessary stress on their legs and toes.

 

[sheeshshe]

good idea. thank you! I will do just that then

 

[mamaKate]

I used a ferret cage and lined the bottom and sides (about 8 inches up) with cardboard. Then I used shavings in the bottom with very little spillage. With just a few chicks, as long as you top off the shavings every day and clean it once a week, the mess isn't bad.