is this ok for a brooder

[Lenka]

Hey - so We have lots of chicks... and are kind of out of brooder space- but I do have these Tortoise houses, and one is empty. its 2x3ft and has a top (important when you have cats and curious dogs).. but my concern if the wood was ok. I don't know what kind besides "fir wood" anyone else use them?

 

[True Patriot]

Fir is ok. The only thing I see is they're going to outgrow it fast. Also in the pic, do you have more than one? If so there may be some issues when integrating them together.

 

[Lenka]

Fir is ok. The only thing I see is they're going to outgrow it fast. Also in the pic, do you have more than one? If so there may be some issues when integrating them together.

more than one what? house? yes. i do have more chicks in a different type of bin.. same age. I was thinking if this worked out then I would move the other chicks in with them.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Fir wood is fine. The units are small so they can't hold too many chicks, but they look well built and secure.

Also I would change out the newspaper there, it's a hard surface for the chicks to get traction on and can cause them to slip. Paper towels, dog pee pads, or shavings over the paper would be better.

 

[Lenka]

Fir wood is fine. The units are small so they can't hold too many chicks, but they look well built and secure.

Also I would change out the newspaper there, it's a hard surface for the chicks to get traction on and can cause them to slip. Paper towels, dog pee pads, or shavings over the paper would be better.

thanks! I can put some pee pads down. I thought the shavings were bad for this young as they try to eat them.

 

[True Patriot]

more than one what? house? yes. i do have more chicks in a different type of bin.. same age. I was thinking if this worked out then I would move the other chicks in with them.

Kept separate they may develop dynamics of two different flocks. If this is intended that's fine. I was curious if you were raising that way intentionally or due to available space and equipment.

 

[True Patriot]

I raised mine on pine shavings from day one. They did try to eat some, but they'll try to eat anything they come across. There were no affects from it. I did have chick grit available at all times since I figured they would find something to swallow.

 

[007Sean]

Fir wood is fine, so is pine shavings for bedding. The only concern I have is the size...they will out grow it fast. Need to start figuring out what to use next for a brooder.