Do I have to have a brooder?

[incubator addict]

Do I have to have a brooder? I live in Canberra, Australia and I was wondering if I have to have one. If so, we already have a big plastic box for the brooder (If we need one of course). If we do need to have one, I need a cheap economical heat lamp for it. Our chicks are due to hatch on the 26 of January so if we need one we need one right away! Also, do we need chick starter?

Thanks in advance

Patrick

 

[guinea fowl galore]

Yes and Yes.
You need to provide heat for the chicks for the first few weeks.
And they definitely need chick starter. It has higher protein to ensure the chicks grow up healthy. At 12 weeks you then need to switch them to grower and by 20-25 weeks you start feeding layer food.
Hope that helps