GuineaPig Cage Brooder

[yakitori]

I just wanted to share how well my new brooding set up is working for me!

I got this guinea pig cage off facebook marketplace last year, and it'll be my first time brooding chicks in it. I previously used it to brood coturnix quails, and quails really tend to get skittish no matter what, so I didn't really know what to expect for chicks.

My heating set-up is a seedling heating mat (low heat) underneath and a really warm heating mat above suspended via a tea towel. The high setting on this one seems perfect. I currently have 16 chicks in here, but I'll be down to 6 next week when I figure out which ones i intend to keep.

So far I'm really loving it, they're a lot less terrified of me compared to my first chicks brooded in a tote. I'm going to see if I can cordon off that second level and make an upper level as well. I can't wait to see how these chickies will grow up

 

[just3chicks]

I LIKE!! I'm using a former finch aviary cage for my brooder.

 

[yakitori]

I LIKE!! I'm using a former finch aviary cage for my brooder.

ooh that sound extra roomy! Do you have pics? I want to see XD

 

[CorgiBookMom]

I just wanted to share how well my new brooding set up is working for me!

I got this guinea pig cage off facebook marketplace last year, and it'll be my first time brooding chicks in it. I previously used it to brood coturnix quails, and quails really tend to get skittish no matter what, so I didn't really know what to expect for chicks.

My heating set-up is a seedling heating mat (low heat) underneath and a really warm heating mat above suspended via a tea towel. The high setting on this one seems perfect. I currently have 16 chicks in here, but I'll be down to 6 next week when I figure out which ones i intend to keep.

So far I'm really loving it, they're a lot less terrified of me compared to my first chicks brooded in a tote. I'm going to see if I can cordon off that second level and make an upper level as well. I can't wait to see how these chickies will grow up

I love your guinea pig cage set up! It looks roomy and secure. Can't believe you have 16 chicks in there.
I have not gotten my chicks yet but I was wondering how a kiddie pool would work, for 6 chicks. Looks like they don't need that much space when they are brand new.
Do you find that they are spilling out lots of chips, like guinea pigs do when they run around the cage?

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

I always use guinea pig cages for my brooders, can get them for free/cheap pretty easy and they're fantastic. Yours looks great!

 

[yakitori]

I love your guinea pig cage set up! It looks roomy and secure. Can't believe you have 16 chicks in there.
I have not gotten my chicks yet but I was wondering how a kiddie pool would work, for 6 chicks. Looks like they don't need that much space when they are brand new.
Do you find that they are spilling out lots of chips, like guinea pigs do when they run around the cage?

I’ve never had guinea pigs, but they do try to peck /eat everything. I use pine pellets, which has amazing absorbancy, but will also get super dusty when they start their dust bathing shenanigans

I brooded my first 9 girls in a similar sized set up until they were 9 weeks old. Only for sleeping though, i had them outside in a pen during the day after they turned 4 weeks old (I was still building my coop and run!). With the current weather here, I’ll probably start doing the same around 5 weeks when they’re pretty much feathered enough to stay warm.

I miss having a broody, I’d have them all back in the coop by the time they were 3 weeks old .

 

[yakitori]

I always use guinea pig cages for my brooders, can get them for free/cheap pretty easy and they're fantastic. Yours looks great!

thanks! I wish I used this the first time around…

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

thanks! I wish I used this the first time around…

With birds, everything is a learning experience. You've got it now, that's what matters.

I do find the plastic bottom is great at keeping the chicks warm, I use mine outside in an uninsulated shed and it's been below freezing the last week. The plastic bottom reduces any form of drafts and is so easy to clean. Definitely my favourite too!

 

[BrandonsBirbs]

I love your guinea pig cage set up! It looks roomy and secure. Can't believe you have 16 chicks in there.
I have not gotten my chicks yet but I was wondering how a kiddie pool would work, for 6 chicks. Looks like they don't need that much space when they are brand new.
Do you find that they are spilling out lots of chips, like guinea pigs do when they run around the cage?

Just note they grow quick, you'll be amazed how quick but know that it is QUICK.

 

[just3chicks]

ooh that sound extra roomy! Do you have pics? I want to see XD

(Self-made curtains to keep nosey dogs away)