Getting set up for new chicks

[45pro]

Hey guys and gals, new chicks will be here on Wednesday after a loose dog tore through my fence and killed my wife and children's 3 chickens. We didn't have the most ideal setup last time for chicks, although it worked, this go around I'm trying to upgrade a bit. This is what I have come up with this time. It is a 50 tub that I cut the lid out and installed chicken wire to keep the family cat out of. Also made a cleaner watering system because last time they would dirty their watering tray every 10 minutes. Will hold 3/4 of a gallon of water. Food bowl is the same as last time for now. Any feedback is appreciated. I have a thermometer in there right now warming up to see how temp is going to be with current light height.

 

[cavemanrich]

Setup looks good. Initially I would use a water bowl also. Shallow bowl with marbles or stones inside to keep chicks from drowning in. If some wood chips get inside, it is not the end of the world. At least there is water available. I am not sure if newborn chicks will be able to figure out water cups at short after birth. When you see your chicks using the water cups, then you can remove the water bowl/dish.
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS...
WISHING YOU BEST....

 

[45pro]

Setup looks good. Initially I would use a water bowl also. Shallow bowl with marbles or stones inside to keep chicks from drowning in. If some wood chips get inside, it is not the end of the world. At least there is water available. I am not sure if newborn chicks will be able to figure out water cups at short after birth. When you see your chicks using the water cups, then you can remove the water bowl/dish.
SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS...
WISHING YOU BEST....

Yes I am going to have a dish in there until I feel they can use the water cups. I figure after a week or two i can remove the dish and show them the cups if they havnt figured it out yet.

 

[AlleysChicks]

I have a brooder like that and I absolutely love it. Easy to clean and move. Have you tested your lid if weight is applied to the top? In case the cat would jump on top. Mine is not as neat looking but can hold 40lbs of feed on top lol

 

[sylviethecochin]

Your setup does look really nice.

 

[45pro]

I have a brooder like that and I absolutely love it. Easy to clean and move. Have you tested your lid if weight is applied to the top? In case the cat would jump on top. Mine is not as neat looking but can hold 40lbs of feed on top lol

Yes, it will hold quite a lot of weight. I' hoping this will be better for cleanup than my previous one.