First timer has some questions

[Madddawg]

It something really nice to have around for heating or cooling. And its reasonable priced! .

 

[azygous]

That brooder is much too small,for any number of chicks, let alone eight. If you were to let your chicks out into a large space, like the garage floor or a bedroom, they would be racing all over the place. And if you were to let them out into the yard outdoors, you would see them run and take off flying.

That's how much space one to two-week old chicks would LIKE. But they should have at the very least 1.5 square feet per chick.

People are under the impression that since the chicks are such tiny little things they don't require much space. That is so wrong.

Toss the totes. Get some cardboard boxes and make a real brooder the chicks will be happy in.

Also the small space isn't allowing for the chicks to move out of the hot zone if they get too hot. The thermostatic outlet may give you a false sense of security, but it may be too warm or not warm enough in reality. Have you observed the chicks to see their behavior? Are they huddled together most of the time? Then it's too cold. Are they clinging to the sides or lying prostrate? Then it's too hot.

But get a bigger brooder ASAP!

 

[Madddawg]

Thanks for the info, I have seen several different ones on here and I figured why not.I will work on a bigger brooder now.
As for their behavior. they seem pretty content. They don't huddle under the lamp or away from it.
I was watching them last night and I was thinking they have out grown that tote.

 

[Madddawg]

Ok done.
33" x 72" . Made it out of some stuff I had on hand. It took a little less then an hour.

It took 5, 5 gallon buckets to get about 4" of wood chips in there.



I took pictures of the whole process. I will post it in the build a brooder section when I have more time. I gotta get started on the coop....More Pictures...

 

[lazy gardener]

Good job. I'd love to see everyone who broods chicks have a big brooder like that!

 

[Madddawg]

It took a bit for them to get use to all at room. It was kinda funny, when we put the first one in there it just peeped and peeped till another one got in there, then they both were peeping and so on and so forth until all 8 where in there. I think they like their new pad.

 

[azygous]

Wow! That's a formidable brooder! you should be very proud of yourself! And I know your chicks are already much happier with all that space.

I can hardly wait to see your coop!

 

[Madddawg]

Next question... We have 12 chicks, they are around 3-2 weeks old. They like bread, how much bread can we feed them? Also can they eat Quaker Oats because we have some and we don't like them. And also what about Corn Chips or Tortilla Chips like for salsa?
Basically, what's not good for them? Thank You.

 

[azygous]

Whoa! Take it easy on bread and chips or you'll be setting those chicks up for impacted crops!

A few crumbs, not a problem, but they need their regular feed for balanced nutrition for the extremely fast growth they will be going through. They double in size each week. If you go overboard on treats, then they won't be getting enough nutrients for proper development. All those things you mentioned have empty calories, and they are as far from what chicks should be eating as candy and cookies are for a small child.

 

[lazy gardener]

At this age, they should be getting chick starter instead of snacks.