how long do they stay in brooder?

[WillowWoodsFarm]

As for the smell, I have really never had a problem with it. I put down newspaper and change it at least once or twice a day, depending on how messing they are being, lol. As for the weather....?....IDK. I am alittle worried about my chicks. I have 4 that are 7 weeks old and 4 more that are like 3weeks old. I am worried that it is going to be too cold for them but I plan on putting in a mild heat lamp in a small section of the coop if they dont fair well so they can have alittle bit of warmth (if needed). Hope your babies do well. Good luck and congratulations!

 

[saladin]

Ok, that helps greatly.

What you want to do is get them where they can tolerate the cold. About week number 5 start turning the lights off during the day and only let them have lights at night. Once they have feathered well put them in an outdoor pen and provide lights for them at night only for a couple of weeks or so.

I hope this helps.

 

[jmtcmkb]

Quote:
Thank you thank you!! I needed specific advice

I asked the hatchery and got a general type answer, harden them off etc, I needed specifics.

One more question, the brooder I borrowed is an electric one that looks like for mass production, it's large however it is only about 8-10" tall. I guess my best bet is going to be to build something with more height for the last 4 weeks or so ?

 

[saladin]

I would. There are some real inexpensive things folks do like cardboard box or even totes with a suspended light.

Mine was very inexpensive to build. It is 11' long x 3' wide x 2' depth. It stand around 4' tall. (I raise lots of chickens).

Has wire on the bottom and 3 sides. Fourth side is the barn. Lights fit into the top half that doesn't open. Real simple design for a real simple mind.

I like the bottom of the bulb to be at least 18 inches from the floor. I use red flood lights.

 

[boogiedog]

I've had great luck with a great Dane sized wire dog crate...I just wrap the bottom 6ish inches with mesh so when they are super little no one can squeeze out. Some pine shavings in the bottom tray, and hang the heat lamp inside from the top. It easily holds several chicks at once, and they don't run out of space until they are well-feathered.

 

[larsonll]

My chicks are 4 weeks old and a few are nearly fully feathered but most are not. We've had a cold front come in here in GA, and temps are going down to 51 tonight....so yep, the heat lamp is lowered again.