Getting Brooder Ready - A Few Questions

[RMHiggins]

I will be picking up my chicks exactly one week from today and the frame of my brooder that I built is ready. Now it's time for the interior.

What I am wondering is:

-Are there certain feeders/waterers that people prefer?
-Where do I put the thermometer? (I'm assuming at the height of the chicks, but want to be sure)
-How high off the ground should a roosting bar go, and are there any certain sizes of lumber that work best for chicks?

Any other advice is welcome! Thanks in advance.

 

[Naunnie]

Welcome to BYC! This thread might help; https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/6233/brooder-thread-post-pics-of-your-brooders

 

[ken-t]

you didn't say where you live North or South. that will make a difference. I've raised poultry for years and have never used a thermometer. I like to see a nice ring around the edge of the heat source. when I say that keep in mind chickens of all ages like to sunbath and they look like they're dead when they do. the chicks will run around and feed during the day, but will sleep as night comes on. If needed and another heat lamp. this will depend on the number of chicks you have. As far as waters go I like the little nipples. they cost more up front but save a lot of hassle in the long run and you adjust them up s the chickens grow. Amazon.com. or goggle them. they keep the water cleaner than the old bottle type. As far as feeders go I build my own 1x3 on the bottom for weight and up the ends. Ends are pointed. drill a hole through the top and attach a dowel from end to end to keep the chicks from roosting on it (make the dowel so it turns when the chicks get on it) length of the feeder is up to you. use 1/4" plywood or even tin with the top edge bent over on the sides. good luck.

 

[RMHiggins]

ken-t -I live in southern Wisconsin and I will be getting 10 chicks.

I was also wondering what people prefer for brooder bedding.

Thanks for all the help so far, guys.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Oh you'll get lots and lots of different opinions

My first brooder was a large plastic tote (lasted 2 weeks) I used puppy pee pads on the bottom with pine shavings. My 2nd brooder was a large wire dog crate that was wrapped in chicken wire and cardboard. I used pine shavings for a time but it was horridly messy so I changed to sand.

I used this feeder when they were tiny

http://www.amazon.com/Miller-Manufa...8&qid=1375295530&sr=8-2&keywords=chick+feeder

I used this waterer (2 parts) and actually still use this in their coop. They only drink from it at night so although it's small it still works

http://www.amazon.com/Miller-Manufa...&qid=1375295578&sr=8-1&keywords=chick+waterer

http://www.amazon.com/Miller-Manufa...&qid=1375295578&sr=8-6&keywords=chick+waterer

Now I'm using this waterer in their coop run

http://www.amazon.com/Miller-Manufa...5698&sr=8-9&keywords=1+gallon+chicken+waterer

And I use this feeder inside the coop

http://www.orschelnfarmhome.com/Ors...eder-3-lb?&query=chick+feeder&hits=12&offset=


I never used a thermometer, I think it's pretty easy to tell if a chick is too hot or too cold. If the chicks are gathering under the light then they are cold, if they wont come near the light then it's too hot. You also do not want to heat the entire brooder, they need to have space to get away from the heat if they want to.

I also used a white light heat lamp and had zero issues. I got my 6 chicks from a feed store and they used white light as well. Red light is suppose to make them calmer but in my experience it wasn't needed.