Makeshift brooder/dog pen...do you think this will work? HELP!

[paganfish]

OK, so the weather got a bit cold here as of late and we are expected to get some snow flurries by tonight. Yikes! Anyway, I decided to make the dog crate into a brooder for the hens and their chicks. They seem to be doing OK in it and I have a yellow 60 watt bulb in there to keep them somewhat warm. Warmer than they'd be otherwise. My question is...look at the picture and tell me if this is a good idea? Should I have both girls in there with their chicks? Or should I separate one of them and have both chicks with one in there? I want to do what's best for all without stressing anyone out. Unduly!

HELP

It is warmer in there though...and they do look comfy for now. I will be letting them out to run around the coop as they normally do but on days like today when it's chilly out...in they go!

What do you think?

I know I said this already but...HELP!

~C:->

 

[tiffanyh]

As long as the larger hens dont pick on them, then I would leave both in there. Are they their "mothers"? If so, you really shouldnt need supplemental heat as they will go under momma for warmth. But it wount hurt. Be careful the chicks cant sneak out the cracks. Although even if they do, I doubt they wont venture far from mom.

 

[paganfish]

Hi Tiffany-

Thanks! You've allayed some of my fears. LOL! (New at this, can you tell?)

Both hens sat on the clutch of eggs. The dark one (Lady McCluck) was first then, the blonde Ameraucan banty (Farrah) joined her - a few days after. When the first one hatched Farrah kept it warm and gave it the tour of the coop...L.M. stayed on the other eggs until the second chick hatched. She then got down from the clutch and now they keep each chick warm.

So, to answer your question...I guess they're both the moms! LOL!

All the hens in the coop are bantys. The other hens (bigger ones) I keep in separate coop.

I don't plan on keeping them in the brooder all the time...only when it gets cold. I was sort of worried cause someone told me that although the moms should be able to keep them warm if it's too cold the moms have to work extra hard and adding heat to them would be helpful. Some even said that as long as mom does not give up <gasp!> on the chick and move on...it should be OK.

So, worry wort that I am, I decided to just provide them the additional heat source but only in times of distress..such as we are having right now. I've periodically checked in on them and they are snug as bugs!

I have plastic lining all around the crate so the chicks cannot get out...even if they tried! Only a place up on top is not covered (where I took the pictures from) and that is only so I can open the door to put in food, water and clean out soiled straw/bedding when needed.

Not bad for a recovering city slicker, huh?

~C:->

 

[Poison Ivy]

I did the same thing with my bantam hen when she hatched out her chicks. So it will work out fine and they are really cute.

 

[paganfish]

Thanks Poison! I keep checkin in on them and they are fine....and *I* feel much better!

~C:->