Caribbean Chick
Hatching
- Oct 11, 2025
- 1
- 1
- 4
After spending some years rescuing, raising & releasing abandoned baby chicks that run wild all over our tropical island, we find ourselves the owners of 2 ISA's that we acquired from a pet shop.
Now we have to mean business, because I know they need proper care!
Besides enjoying their company, we hope to see larger eggs & save ourselves $10 per dozen in the stores!
On a severe budget & with limited carpentry options I have done a lot of research trying to discover the best, affordable set up for them. We now have a lovely slated baby crib that is beautiful, airy & the right size (so I am told) to house 2-3 hens.
I added chicken wire (to keep out the other babies that run loose) & a long broom handle for a perch.
What next though?!
It obviously needs a substantial roof & a system to access the interior for cleaning it...is this the sort of set up that needs bedding? Do you need shavings, let them rot & replace them after some weeks? Or are coops left bare if your chickens are free range? It would need a floor to replace the sprung mattress frame that is currently there. I also have yet to cut a door as I don't yet know what would be best. Meanwhile they are free range & roosting in a guinea pig cage in the car port...which means too much poop on our doorstep - help!
I have navigated to "Cabrita Chicks" & read her page that was helpful & validated my awareness that we need 'massive over hangs' for the roof. I just have more questions...Any experience & answers welcome.
I am glad to be here amoung helpful folk!
Now we have to mean business, because I know they need proper care!
Besides enjoying their company, we hope to see larger eggs & save ourselves $10 per dozen in the stores!
On a severe budget & with limited carpentry options I have done a lot of research trying to discover the best, affordable set up for them. We now have a lovely slated baby crib that is beautiful, airy & the right size (so I am told) to house 2-3 hens.
I added chicken wire (to keep out the other babies that run loose) & a long broom handle for a perch.
What next though?!
It obviously needs a substantial roof & a system to access the interior for cleaning it...is this the sort of set up that needs bedding? Do you need shavings, let them rot & replace them after some weeks? Or are coops left bare if your chickens are free range? It would need a floor to replace the sprung mattress frame that is currently there. I also have yet to cut a door as I don't yet know what would be best. Meanwhile they are free range & roosting in a guinea pig cage in the car port...which means too much poop on our doorstep - help!
I have navigated to "Cabrita Chicks" & read her page that was helpful & validated my awareness that we need 'massive over hangs' for the roof. I just have more questions...Any experience & answers welcome.
I am glad to be here amoung helpful folk!
