Keeping chicks warm with no power

[jacrawley]

Has anyone brooded chicks without electricity? I've read about using an oil lamp to keep them warm. I have solar so the 24/7 heat lamp is out of the question.

thanks

 

[beakkeeper]

That's cool that you have solar!

I have read that a cardboard box near, but not TOO near a woodstove is a good setup for a small number of chicks. Or, if you have a broody hen, you could put out fake eggs for her to sit on, then "as the chicks hatch" put them under her (at night only!) for her to raise. It's worth a try!

 

[swtangel321]

First.....

How many chicks do you have in the brooder ??

And how old are they ?

 

[Mac in Wisco]

There are kerosene, natural gas, or propane fired hovers that you can buy. They are thermostatically controlled, much like a gas water heater. They are made for a number of chicks at a time, but run around $200.

http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/product/canopy_gas_brooder.html

 

[jvls1942]

I am assuming that you heat with wood..

try hot rocks wrapped in cloth.. You only need a couple of sets of rocks .. ones heating up while the others warming the chicks..

please do not use a cardboard box near the stove.. for my piece of mind..

 

[vtchickenlady]

Ditto on the hot rocks. See if you can find something with a lot of clay content or, better yet, soapstone. They hold heat longer. If unable to get rocks try a hot water bottle.

 

[mrsengeseth]

How about SnuggleSafe? Amazon has them...do you have ability to use a microwave?? If so, you can use the snugglesafe to keep em warm...

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I've thought about it a while and have come up with this. Use a floor brooder like below, it is a plywood box with electric lamps inside. Instead of the electric lamps, install a 4" flue inside to vent an oil lamp. The flue will heat up and keep the inside of the box warm, yet the oil lamp will be vented. The instructions for the brooder are at http://www.plamondon.com/brooder.shtml

 

[CovenantCreek]

I've used those "hot hands" hand warmers, wrapped up in something to keep the chicks from getting too close. I don't think that would work for an extended period, but then again, they do stay hot/warm for about 8 hours. I guess it would depend on how many chicks you were trying to keep warm whether it could work for you.

 

[jvls1942]

Quote:
two good questions..
did he post and desert us??