Help for Temporary Brooder

[KWestVA]

I had to set up a makeshift brooder on the fly because I really didn't think I would be successful . . . and now I've got at least one chick!

Questions
1. Do I have to show the chick (hatched about 3 hours ago) where to drink water? It already fell in once (very very shallow), but I haven't seen it try to drink.
2. What is the proper humidity for the first 24 hours?

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[nuthatched]

It can stay in the incubator for a few days if you need.
Do you mean humidity after hatch?
My emergency brooder was an $8 foldable mesh hamper from walmart.

 

[KWestVA]

It can stay in the incubator for a few days if you need.
Do you mean humidity after hatch?
My emergency brooder was an $8 foldable mesh hamper from walmart.

Thank you for replying! I was worried about leaving in the incubator because it was pretty full, but I may not have a choice if more chicks hatch tonight.

Yes, humidity after hatch. I had to jump through some hoops to get the temp up to 90°, so I'm worried about dryness until I can get a better solution than a space heater tomorrow.

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you for replying! I was worried about leaving in the incubator because it was pretty full, but I may not have a choice if more chicks hatch tonight.

Yes, humidity after hatch. I had to jump through some hoops to get the temp up to 90°, so I'm worried about dryness until I can get a better solution than a space heater tomorrow.

No special humidity is necessary for the brooder, if you can get a lizard lamp or heat pad without auto off can be used in your brooder for the chicks.

 

[KWestVA]

No special humidity is necessary for the brooder, if you can get a lizard lamp or heat pad without auto off can be used in your brooder for the chicks.

Thank you very much!!

 

[Mill Chick]

You might want to dip the chicks beak in the water but chicks can survive up to 72 hours after hatching because right before hatching they absorb all the yolk.

 

[Ridgerunner]

1. Do I have to show the chick (hatched about 3 hours ago) where to drink water?

When you put it in the brooder dip the tip of its beak in water. Don't dunk the head, just the tip of the beak is enough to show it where water is. It does not need to drink for a while but it probably will a little before long.

It already fell in once (very very shallow), but I haven't seen it try to drink.

I put rocks in the waterer so the chicks can walk on them without getting wet or fall in but drink at the spots between the rocks. I use a dog bowl for a waterer, not sure what you are using.

2. What is the proper humidity for the first 24 hours?

I agree, it doesn't matter. If you leave it in the incubator it can handle hatching humidity levels. If the brooder is really dry the chick will be fine as long as it can stay warm. You just do not want the brooder to be wet. That's about the bedding, not the humidity.

 

[KWestVA]

When you put it in the brooder dip the tip of its beak in water. Don't dunk the head, just the tip of the beak is enough to show it where water is. It does not need to drink for a while but it probably will a little before long.


I put rocks in the waterer so the chicks can walk on them without getting wet or fall in but drink at the spots between the rocks. I use a dog bowl for a waterer, not sure what you are using.


I agree, it doesn't matter. If you leave it in the incubator it can handle hatching humidity levels. If the brooder is really dry the chick will be fine as long as it can stay warm. You just do not want the brooder to be wet. That's about the bedding, not the humidity.

Thank you very much!!