First time with babies

[JessicaThistle]

I admit that I never bothered checking the temp in my brooder. I used a big tote that my German Shepard uses for cooling off in the summer. My chicks always seemed active and happy so I never really felt obligated to. If they seemed unhappy I may have worried more. My 6 week old flock is my first, so I guess I winged it on the first go-round. However, I worked in the medical field for 10 years and I just really don't worry unless I need to.

 

[gander007]

Bigger water plate...changed the platform. ..thats all I could find for now. Any suggestions for a bigger brooder? This tub won't last long.

If you can not find a big box but have several smaller one's then tape them together and some time's Sears or Wal-Mart, Home-Depo
will have the bigger boxes .....

 

[step2626]

Set up #3

 

[rosinsk1772]

You could always go to a furniture store and ask for a recliner box. I housed 8 x 7 week old chicks in it with no space issue

 

[Tatubela]

First time raising baby chicks, and I'm a bit concerned about the heat lamp, wood shavings and cardboard box combination., is there any concern to cause a fire? I still need to get a thermometer for the brooder which will be a large box.

 

[TnMama]

If your light is high enough, I wouldn't be all that concerned. I've got my babies in a modified dog kennel. Had the heat light down in it, but they got too hot, so I lifted it out last night. I covered one end, away from the light, with a towel, to insulate them some more. When I woke up to potty at 2 I did go check to make sure they're warm enough. They are. I had mine in a Rubbermaid tub for 5 days, but when I added 5 more chicks, I had to think fast on a new brooder. I don't have a thermometer, I've just watched the chicks & water temp. Even with the light high & away, the water heats up quick. Best of luck on your babies. They will be just fine. (light now directly outside on top of that spot)

 

[rosinsk1772]

There's always a concern for fires. Keep the shavings dry, and not wet as the wet compost breaking down is what causes fires. The recliner boxes are 3/4" thick. I don't use the heat lamp on the box though. To reduce chances of fire I placed a plastic tub next to the recliner box, and cut a whole through the tote and box. My heat lamp is attached to the plastic tote and not the box. No issues at all

 

[16 paws]

Here is my brooder, I made it for my new babies. I like to be able to see them better with some height. You can also use a rabbit hutch.
Marie

6 little silkies
Notice I have 3 water stations, I am always afraid they will run out

 

[jonalisa]

Nice brooder, well done!

 

[Tatubela]

I have a dilemma. We want to keep our home made brooder in the garage, but the temperature in there during the day can be high ninety's/low 100's...without the lamp on. Does that mean I need to bring the brooder in the house where I can control the temperature better?