Making a DIY brooder

[[E]thernet]

Hi all. I am going to buy 3, one day old chicks so I can raise them so they can lay eggs when they are more mature. I have a few questions I would like answered.

• Would this heat lamp work for 3 chicks? And which option should I pick?
• I am going to use a plastic tub, so how many quarts will the tub have to have to fit 3 chicks?
• What should I use as bedding?
• Can I make some DIY waterers and feeders for the chicks
• And, what do I have to do to transport them in a vehicle from a breeder?

Thank you!

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

Your heat lamp should be fine, just keep an eye on the temp and adjust the height as needed to adjust the temp. A plastic tub should be fine to start but as they grow they will need more room. A large dog crate works great or a large cardboard box.
The breeder may have something to put them in but take a shoe box with a few paper towels in the bottom just in case.
When you get home, cut an opening in one side of the box and turn it over in the brooder to give them a place to hide.
You can start with paper towels or washable towels as bedding then move to pine shavings after a week or just start with the shavings. You just don't want their feet to slide around on the plastic floor of the box.
You can use a shallow dish with pebbles or marbles in it for their water.
A shallow dish for food as well but eventually you will get tired of pulling the shavings out of both and will want to get something else. Sit them on top of a brick or block to help prevent this. As long as they can still reach it.

Hold them and talk to them everyday after they get settled and enjoy them.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

I kept mine in a Tote box till 3 weeks old with pine shavings and food and water then moved them to this

I used this for my broilers

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Hi all. I am going to buy 3, one day old chicks so I can raise them so they can lay eggs when they are more mature. I have a few questions I would like answered.

• Would this heat lamp work for 3 chicks? And which option should I pick?
• I am going to use a plastic tub, so how many quarts will the tub have to have to fit 3 chicks?
• What should I use as bedding?
• Can I make some DIY waterers and feeders for the chicks
• And, what do I have to do to transport them in a vehicle from a breeder?

Thank you!

Yes, the ceramic bulbs are great because they only give off heat. The chicks will be able to sleep at night and not be bothered by light. Look on Amazon, that is where I bought mine, much cheaper! I would use one of the hooded bulb covers that has the protective wire over the bulb though so nothing can touch the bulb.

 

[PachecoPeeps]

That light is great just make sure you are adjusting it as your chicks get older. For a brooder you can make one out of cardboard boxes from grocery stores, especially if they have one for watermelon or potatoes. As your chicks get
Older (3 weeks) you will need to cover the top of the brooder or they will fly out.

For bedding use pine shavings but cover it with paper towels for the first couple of days or they will eat the shavings.

For food and water be sure to put some kind of rocks or marbles in the water dish so the babies don’t drown. As the chicks get older you will want to put both dishes up higher.

As far as transportation it depends on how far you are going. We’ve always used cardboard boxes with air holes or small cages.

I hope this helps and enjoy your babies!