Is this ok? Brooder question, et al

[chickens really]

I'd not use a nipple waterer exclusively till you know the Chicks are drinking well and using the nipple waterers too.

 

[ehoneybee]

I'd not use a nipple waterer exclusively till you know the Chicks are drinking well and using the nipple waterers too.

I don't think I'm going to use it all now that I know I don't have to.

 

[Criticalicious]

The nipple waterers don't get dirty as easily as an open water dish, so for convenience sake they save labor. But definitely watch babies to be sure everyone is drinking.

 

[ehoneybee]

What do you guys do for feeders? I was going to make my own with some cardboard.

 

[Matzwd]

What do you guys do for feeders? I was going to make my own with some cardboard.

They will probably pick apart the cardboard. You can get basic feeders at the feed store very reasonably priced. If you use an open dish to feed, expect it to get billed/scratched out and/or pooped in.

 

[ehoneybee]

They will probably pick apart the cardboard. You can get basic feeders at the feed store very reasonably priced. If you use an open dish to feed, expect it to get billed/scratched out and/or pooped in.

Ha ha ok. I'll just pick one up.

 

[Matzwd]

Also, if you have a way to elevate food and water on a platform, it will stay cleaner longer. I use a concrete paver. Others use Rubbermade tote lids. Whatever you have that you think will work is fine. Feed and water away from the heat source as well.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So, 8 weeks looks like the time I can relocate them to the coop? I will keep them separated from the others, but when can I combine them?

The temperature chart posted earlier is just a suggestion. Many of us move chicks out well before 8 weeks, or even brood them outside. Of course a mama hen would have her chicks outside regardless of a temperature chart.

Depending on how you handle integration you can potentially start letting them mix as early as 2 or 3 weeks old. This is my brooder/integration notes page: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

For water I use the small mason jar types, just easier to make sure all the chicks can drink easily. For food I'm super lazy, I just use the bottom of one of the little mason jar feeders or I've used small paper plates.

 

[Criticalicious]

A flipped over food dish like for a dog or cat works great for a food/water stand in the brooder. And you can repurpose it later.

 

[ehoneybee]

The temperature chart posted earlier is just a suggestion. Many of us move chicks out well before 8 weeks, or even brood them outside. Of course a mama hen would have her chicks outside regardless of a temperature chart.

Depending on how you handle integration you can potentially start letting them mix as early as 2 or 3 weeks old. This is my brooder/integration notes page: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

For water I use the small mason jar types, just easier to make sure all the chicks can drink easily. For food I'm super lazy, I just use the bottom of one of the little mason jar feeders or I've

We have the heat lamp on but they don't seem to even need it. Maybe it's humid enough in the house (temp ranges from 70-74). It's been 80 during the day and we put them out on our deck for the kids to play with.