Chicks are ordered from mcmurray hatchery

[Jtp79]

How tall does the momma heating pad need to be for initial setup?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Oops sorry I thought I replied. It depends on how deep your bedding is and how big your chicks are really. That's why I changed from just using bent wire to actual legs that I could adjust. Keep it slanted so one side is higher than the other and everyone will find a spot that's the right height.

 

[Peppercorngal]

I placed the order yesterday and we have
3 buff orpingtons
3 rhode island reds
6 americauna
3 new hampshire reds
3 light brahmas
1 cuckoo maran roo
and a free rare chick on the way in about 2 weeks

I know they can be in a smaller box but if I was going to build a brooder, how large does it need to be in order to house the chicks until they can be moved outside? Is there a standard for amount of room as the chicks age?

Also, what kind of waterer and feeder is best for new chicks?

You will love your baby chicks. I just want to say something that could make others angry, but you should remember that chickens are farm ANIMALS and do not belong in a house or basement at all! I hope you have better luck with McMurray than I have too. They messed up last years order and this year I was hoping for better, but they did it again! Good luck, whatever you get you will love!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

How tall does the momma heating pad need to be for initial setup?

High enough that their backs contact it when they are under it. Slanting it so it is higher/ lower front to back or one side to the other allows for variance in chick size or standing/ laying down.
This is my frame

I can easily adjust up or down using the nuts on either side of the rack.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

You will love your baby chicks. I just want to say something that could make others angry, but you should remember that chickens are farm ANIMALS and do not belong in a house or basement at all! I hope you have better luck with McMurray than I have too. They messed up last years order and this year I was hoping for better, but they did it again! Good luck, whatever you get you will love!

Absolutes such as this are not accurate. Chicks can be brooded indoors, adult birds can be kept as house chickens.... just because out isn't something*you* do doesn't mean no one should or would.

 

[Peppercorngal]

Absolutes such as this are not accurate. Chicks can be brooded indoors, adult birds can be kept as house chickens.... just because out isn't something*you* do doesn't mean no one should or would.

See, I knew someone would be upset with my statement! Of course you can keep chickens anywhere you like! I'll keep mine outside, thanks very much.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

See, I knew someone would be upset with my statement! Of course you can keep chickens anywhere you like! I'll keep mine outside, thanks very much.

Then why even say anything?

Some people also say dogs belong outside, btw.

 

[coloradowildflower]

High enough that their backs contact it when they are under it. Slanting it so it is higher/ lower front to back or one side to the other allows for variance in chick size or standing/ laying down.
This is my frame View attachment 1272105
I can easily adjust up or down using the nuts on either side of the rack.

Great image! It's helpful to see how you've done it! Thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

See, I knew someone would be upset with my statement! Of course you can keep chickens anywhere you like! I'll keep mine outside, thanks very much.

You're assuming I'm upset (and we all know how that goes). I personally brood outdoors and would not keep a housebird by my own preferences. You however made a sweeping generalization based on nothing more than your own personal opinion, stating that no one should, with no information as to why those who choose differently may need to reconsider.

 

[Jtp79]

Not quite as clean looking as the one posted with the nuts on the threaded rods but I did make an adjustable heating pad stand for the chicks. Made from pvc and Clevis pins with holes drilled for adjustment. Not pretty but it does the job.