Chorlton Chickenhouse
In the Brooder
- Apr 26, 2020
- 8
- 29
- 31
Hello everyone!
Totally new to chick rearing, just taken the leap..
We now have 4 new hen hybrid chicks raised from hatched eggs over the past two weeks as a home school project. It's a brilliant scheme run by https://www.livingeggs.co.uk who provide all the kit, 10 eggs and advice. The 6 boy chicks went to a farm in Yorkshire and we kept the girls.
I'm now raising the 4 chicks during lockdown which means we have lots of time at home but also an odd time makes it hard to source materials / get advice. It's a good distraction from what is going on in the world as well.
After the brooder box went with the boys, I borrowed a gerbil cage which is ok as they get a view. They kept trying to peer over the top of the plastic crate we had planned to put them it. It was funny to see their little eyes poking over. Very curious! They kept flying up to perch on the edge so I thought I should get them a box with a window. We have a cat so they need to be secure.
I am gradually working out a routine for the chicks, with much thought and chat with DH, the kids, my mum, friends and anyone else who will listen..
They stay in the cage overnight with a tea towel over one corner and a lightbulb to keep them warm. I also put a hot water bottle on the outside of the cage. They seem ok with this. I've also ordered a lizard warming mat (couldn't find a uk brooding mat supplier) so I can remove the lightbulb. It seems odd to have the light on all night. It is very bright.
As the weather is lovely and warm at the moment, they have gone outside into our new coop for a few hours these past 3 days. They were flying around their cage and the brooder box so I thought they would prefer the room.
They are so interesting to watch! My mum gets regular video videos and camera chat with them, my teenagers take breaks from their gaming to have a look and my DH is charmed by them. So all good so far.
I have lots of questions so I thought I would say hi first and then post my various puzzles.
Nice to meet you all!!
Totally new to chick rearing, just taken the leap..
We now have 4 new hen hybrid chicks raised from hatched eggs over the past two weeks as a home school project. It's a brilliant scheme run by https://www.livingeggs.co.uk who provide all the kit, 10 eggs and advice. The 6 boy chicks went to a farm in Yorkshire and we kept the girls.
I'm now raising the 4 chicks during lockdown which means we have lots of time at home but also an odd time makes it hard to source materials / get advice. It's a good distraction from what is going on in the world as well.
After the brooder box went with the boys, I borrowed a gerbil cage which is ok as they get a view. They kept trying to peer over the top of the plastic crate we had planned to put them it. It was funny to see their little eyes poking over. Very curious! They kept flying up to perch on the edge so I thought I should get them a box with a window. We have a cat so they need to be secure.
I am gradually working out a routine for the chicks, with much thought and chat with DH, the kids, my mum, friends and anyone else who will listen..
They stay in the cage overnight with a tea towel over one corner and a lightbulb to keep them warm. I also put a hot water bottle on the outside of the cage. They seem ok with this. I've also ordered a lizard warming mat (couldn't find a uk brooding mat supplier) so I can remove the lightbulb. It seems odd to have the light on all night. It is very bright.
As the weather is lovely and warm at the moment, they have gone outside into our new coop for a few hours these past 3 days. They were flying around their cage and the brooder box so I thought they would prefer the room.
They are so interesting to watch! My mum gets regular video videos and camera chat with them, my teenagers take breaks from their gaming to have a look and my DH is charmed by them. So all good so far.
I have lots of questions so I thought I would say hi first and then post my various puzzles.
Nice to meet you all!!
Glad you joined. 
