Is Clutter in the Brooder Good Too? (And Other Questions)

[3KillerBs]

We're picking up the loaner brooding equipment today so I can set up the 4'x4' coop for brooding and, God willing, get the chicks on Friday -- the very last delivery of chicks to the farm store we found that still actually has chicks. I've never brooded chicks before and am borrowing the equipment from the friend who brooded mine for me last time -- I'll be brooding two for her along with mine.

I don't know what sort of bulb the heat lamp* we're being loaned has (unable to find a brooder plate -- it's on my Amazon list for Christmas), but if it's a strong one I'm prepared to get a lower wattage reptile bulb from the pet store. (Forecast is for lows around 70 and highs in the upper 80's to low 90's for the next 10 days or so). Or, can an ordinary incandescent bulb be used in a heat lamp fixture? We have some of those (probably 60w). I'm concerned about the chicks getting too hot.

In addition to heat, feed, and water, is it good to put some clutter into the brooder? A "training perch"? A wooden box, maybe with a little ramp to go up and down? a few bricks and/or cement blocks? I'm hoping to avoid some of the boredom-related problems I've read about.

I was planning to put the feed and water up on concrete pavers to give them a level base against spills.

*No worries about fire. DH is experienced with electric wiring and over-engineers everything so it will be safe and secure.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

I use a large galvanized tub for my brooder. I use a regular chick heat lamp. Always with a red bulb. The red prevents pecking at each other. I actually hang it on a coat rack so I can change the elevation depending on temp. You will have to watch the chicks. If they are all trying to hide on the opposite side of the brooder then its too hot. If the are all huddle in a pile under the light its too cold. If they are all laying together but not huddled then you are good. I keep my brooder in my house so even when its 90 outside they still need a little heat. Until about 3-4 weeks. I start turning it of during the day but back on at night for about a week then a week with no heat before I put them in the tween coop. I also put a little wooden perch in there for them to climb on. And on the warmer days when I am home I set up a little fenced area half in sun half in shade and take them outside to play in the grass. They love it!!

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm in a 2-room cabin right now with 3 people and 3 cats. No brooding in the house.


In my location, steamy central NC, I'm more concerned with too much heat than not enough.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

Im in NY lol. Never had to try to cool down a brooder. Definitely keep it out of the sun. I wouldnt worry too much about a heat lamp. New babies generally need about 90 degrees and 5 less each week.

 

[3KillerBs]

Im in NY lol. Never had to try to cool down a brooder. Definitely keep it out of the sun. I wouldnt worry too much about a heat lamp. New babies generally need about 90 degrees and 5 less each week.

It's only nights I'm concerned about and only for a couple weeks.

BTW, it's good to put your general location in your profile since our climate affects how we care for our chickens so much.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

Gotcha. Just found where to put it in. Still a newb I would use a red bulb and just place it high above so it doesnt get too warm.

 

[3KillerBs]

I just got the loaner equipment. I'm sure that the 250 watt red bulb would cook them alive so I'll get something smaller.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

Yeah reptile light may be better

 

[drinkoj]

I just got the loaner equipment. I'm sure that the 250 watt red bulb would cook them alive so I'll get something smaller.

Height of the bulb is your friend. You can regulate the temp by raising and lowering the bulb. I just got a 2x4x8 , put nails it at varying heights, and raised and lowered it based on needs for each night. Considering the heat we're getting around here right now, you'll just need to use the lamp between 8 pm and 10 am for a short amount of time.

 

[3KillerBs]

Height of the bulb is your friend. You can regulate the temp by raising and lowering the bulb. I just got a 2x4x8 , put nails it at varying heights, and raised and lowered it based on needs for each night. Considering the heat we're getting around here right now, you'll just need to use the lamp between 8 pm and 10 am for a short amount of time.

I only have 4 feet of height to work with.