We are going to get chickens in about 6-8 weeks and I wanted to start getting a brooder ready. We are going to get 5-6 chicks. Probably 2 bantams and the rest Wil be full size. What should I do for my brooder? Please post pictures of your brooder to!
Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help. Whatever brooder model and design you decide to use, there are a few basics you need to remember: •Adequate space (start out with 4-6 square inches per bird depending on breed and how many chicks you are keeping) •Protection from drafts, moisture, predators and direct sunlight •Reliable heat, food and water sources •Ventilation •Toys Chicks need about 4-6 square inches per bird when they first arrive or hatch. They grow FAST so be ready to either add onto their brooder or transfer them to a new one. No matter what their age, always make sure they have the space to run, flap their wings, dust bathe, establish and deal with the pecking order, eat, drink, roost and sleep comfortably. Up to 2 weeks: 0.5 sq ft per chick 2-4 weeks: 1 sq ft per chick 4-8 weeks: 2.5 sq ft per chick over 8 weeks: 4 sq ft per chick Brooder bedding is also very important. During the chicks’ first week of life, you can just use paper towels or rubber shelf liner as their floor. Do NOT use slippery substances such as newspaper or magazines. After this first week, chicks need actual bedding in which they can dig and bathe. Pine shavings, shredded paper and chopped straw are your best options. Do NOT use cedar shavings, as this is toxic. The litter should be cleaned and changed out every two or four days depending on brooder size and number of chicks. If the chicks spill their water, be sure to remove any wet bedding so that diseases such as Coccidiosis and others are less likely to form. Here is a link concerning brooders: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/homemade-chicken-brooder-designs-pictures Here are a few pics of my brooder
Hi Glad you could join the flock! Great advice there from Mountain Peeps for you. Here is a link for the coop section it also has a brooder section with lots of pics https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coop_Designs I use a guinea pig cage for the first week or so or untill they have outgrown depending how many chicks I have They did then move into the garage I now have a brooder shed that they go into Eventually when fully feathered they go into coop and run, weather dependant Good luck with your chicks, enjoy BYC and all the chicken chat
I'm glad you joined our "flock!" You've received some great advice already! I use a large plastic tub for my brooder. I just put pine shavings on the bottom, provide a chick feeder and waterer, and give the chicks an EcoGlow chick brooder to stay warm under.