Is this brooder ok?

[Battlepants]

I'd probably switch to something that can breath a bit bitter. Cardboard box with some holes punched in the side would be a decent (and cheap) change.

Also, is that the old-style dot matrix printer paper that you are using for bedding? That is going to get soiled and become very slick very fast. Go with puppy pads or pine chips IMO.

And as mentioned by others, if that is a solo chick, please consider getting a few friends to grow up with. These are very social creatures and are not meant to be isolated.

 

[elimasters]

I ONLY HAD ONE HATCH

 

[Battlepants]

I ONLY HAD ONE HATCH

Any of your local feed stores still have chicks? If so, maybe pick up a few buddies for your little one here?

 

[cmobley]

That looks to small to me. The chick looks to have its wings away from its body a sign of over heating.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I ONLY HAD ONE HATCH

You need more. Tractor supply is having their chick days right now. Chicks/chickens can not be raised alone

 

[NatJ]

I ONLY HAD ONE HATCH

Do you have any other chickens? (Adults or older chicks.)

If you brood the chick in the coop next to the adults, it will at least get some exposure to other chickens.

Here is one article about brooding chicks in the coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/

Some people use wire dog crates, others build something with hardware cloth, but brooding chicks in the coop can help them integrate with an older flock more easily, and at a young age.

If you don't have any other chickens, I would definitely try to get at least one or two other chicks to keep this one company. If that is not possible, a mirror and a few stuffed toys can help some, and so can spending time with the chick yourself. A chick that grows up alone can have trouble dealing with other chickens later, because that is one of the things they usually learn when they are young. Being completely alone is really not good for chickens of any age.

What country do you live in? I see someone recommending TSC as a source of chicks, but that only works if you are in the USA.

 

[Sai]

I use one of those big black rubber tubs. Called a stock tank I believe. You can get them at tractor supply but they are a little pricey. I can clean it, reuse it, and because it is heavier it doesn't get hot from the heat lamp. I worry light weight containers may be tipped over. Or soften from the heat and the lamp will fall. As others have mentioned the chemicals releasing is also a concern to me. I would probably at least put a brick in there to give it more stability. Set up otherwise looks great. If you're worried about temp, just stick a thermostat in there. You can get one for $2-$3 at home depot in the garden section. You could also use a meat thermometer but you have to hang out there for a few minutes to get a proper read.

 

[elimasters]

I

Do you have any other chickens? (Adults or older chicks.)

If you brood the chick in the coop next to the adults, it will at least get some exposure to other chickens.

Here is one article about brooding chicks in the coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-brooder-and-integration.74591/

Some people use wire dog crates, others build something with hardware cloth, but brooding chicks in the coop can help them integrate with an older flock more easily, and at a young age.

If you don't have any other chickens, I would definitely try to get at least one or two other chicks to keep this one company. If that is not possible, a mirror and a few stuffed toys can help some, and so can spending time with the chick yourself. A chick that grows up alone can have trouble dealing with other chickens later, because that is one of the things they usually learn when they are young. Being completely alone is really not good for chickens of any age.

What country do you live in? I see someone recommending TSC as a source of chicks, but that only works if you are in the USA.

live in Australia

 

[NatJ]

I live in Australia

In that case, you won't by buying chicks from stores or hatcheries in the USA

The US stores have plenty of chicks right now, because it's springtime, but since you're in the Southern Hemisphere you will be having fall and heading toward winter.

I would still recommend you get some other chicks if at all possible, to keep that one company, but I see that might be difficult at this time of year in Australia.