Heat Lamp & other questions

[tim85a]

Thanks for all your input.

My mum and dad have a large dog cage that they don't use and said I can have that to raise them in. I'm planing to have them in there for 4 weeks then have them outside in day time until we get nice weather all the time.

The lamps/box melting and catching fire does not sound good at all, I'll have to have a look around for a better type of lamp. What do you guys use? If you could post a photo, that would be great too.

 

[K-Kritter]

I too am trying to collect all the necessary items for the arrival of my chicks in April. Found some wonderful information here, thanks to everyone for sharing!

 

[mossyroo]

Thanks for all your input.

My mum and dad have a large dog cage that they don't use and said I can have that to raise them in. I'm planing to have them in there for 4 weeks then have them outside in day time until we get nice weather all the time.

The lamps/box melting and catching fire does not sound good at all, I'll have to have a look around for a better type of lamp. What do you guys use? If you could post a photo, that would be great too.

Not sure what you have available there but I went with a light fixture with a ceramic base and metal reflector. It uses a red heat bulb and are available in most large feed/hardware stores. Not the safest but mine was in the house securely hung from a ceiling hook and physically separated from the chicks and their bedding by the wire cage lid. You can also get brooder heaters that don't use a light bulb and are very safe. I don't remember the brand name but there is a lot of information about them if you search the forums. They are quite a bit more expensive. I still use my lamp occasionally to keep the waterer from freezing. It doesn't get terribly cold here.

 

[Chicken Judy]

Since you have experience I have a few questions. I have 8 RIR's that started laying in late Dec. I have ordered 4 Black Australorps which will be here in the first or second week of March. I am now concerned that trying to meld the two when the time comes, I may be in trouble. I am getting a new larger coop and will have the ability to partition the two off for as long as need be. Am I heading in the right direction?

 

[KeriT]

Since you have experience I have a few questions.  I have 8 RIR's that started laying in late Dec.  I have ordered 4 Black Australorps which will be here in the first or second week of March.  I am now concerned that trying to meld the two when the time comes, I may be in trouble.  I am getting a new larger coop and will have the ability to partition the two off for as long as need be.  Am I heading in the right direction?  

Yes, the best way is to have them separated but able to see each other well so they get used to each other then integrate them after a few days. Second, it depends on the amount of space in your coop or fenced area. When you have two age groups together, the more space they have the better. I recommend at least 4 square feet per bird when you combine the two groups. Watch closely for excessive picking and any bird that gets picked on to the point of blood draw, separate that bird immediately. If blood is drawn, the others will continue picking at the injured bird to the point of death. Hope this helps, good luck with your newbies!

 

[Chicken Judy]

Oh, I'll have an additional 300 sq. ft of new run and about 150 in the old run. New coup is 7 x 12 too. I think I'll have plenty of room.

 

[KeriT]

Oh, I'll have an additional 300 sq. ft of new run and about  150 in the old run.  New coup is 7 x 12 too.  I think I'll have plenty of room.  

Sounds like plan! Good luck!