Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

My problem with homemade brooders is concerns about electricity and fire danger. Heating pads were never intended to be used in places where they might get wet, scratched or damaged, nor for long periods of time - days or weeks. I feel the same way about homemade waterer heaters. We all have our own individual tolerance for risk, but fire is a big danger in farming and it really is important to minimize that risk as much as possible.

 

[aart]

I use the zeolite on my poop boards, go thru a few 40# a year.
Understand the fire fear, I have it too-with candles, due to a domicile fire years ago.
Any electricity in a coop or barn is a risk.

 

[gladahmae]

This is the version of the brooder I'm planning on making. I went out and measured the area I'm planning on using as the grow out coop and it's 3ft x 7.5ft, which IMO is plenty big enough for the brooding phase,and then I can sort them out into the other coops.
http://www.plamondon.com/wp/build-200-chick-brooder-two-hours-20/

 

[snowflake]

LOVE the midget whites, would love to try to raise a couple.
so nice yesterday, looks nice today to. still have some snow piles, my dog loves to go out and lay on them, hanging on to winter. his favorite time of year.
chickens on the other hand are LOVING this weather, even started giving me eggs

 

[aart]

This is the version of the brooder I'm planning on making. I went out and measured the area I'm planning on using as the grow out coop and it's 3ft x 7.5ft, which IMO is plenty big enough for the brooding phase,and then I can sort them out into the other coops.
http://www.plamondon.com/wp/build-200-chick-brooder-two-hours-20/

Looks good.
You probably know but....beware of bulb selection, no 'safety' bulbs.
There have been 2 incidents of flock decimation recently.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/polytetrafluoroethylene-toxicity-in-chickens.73482/

 

[gladahmae]

Right. And finding just the right wattage bulbs will probably be the most irritating part of this since the very large majority of what's sold is cfl or led. Dh is an electrician so I have no worries about funky wiring either. All of my coop outlets are gfci as well.

 

[aart]

Right. And finding just the right wattage bulbs will probably be the most irritating part of this since the very large majority of what's sold is cfl or led. Dh is an electrician so I have no worries about funky wiring either. All of my coop outlets are gfci as well.

Maybe he can wire in switches for multiple bulbs to adjust temp underneath......or dimmer(s). I use a dimmer extension cord with lamps to adjust heat, works great.

 

[aart]

Got a nifty new Incuview bator....love the clear lid, do not love not being able to adjust temp.

 

[robyn8]

Made the mistake of going to TSC and now I'm obsessed with the yellow Ameraucana chicks they had. They'd be buff or white as adults right? I'm in SE Mi and temps are heading into low 40s during the day. Do you guys think that's too cold to brood in the coop with a premier brooder plate? I could put them in the garage for few weeks but would rather the coop.

 

[Folly's place]

Robyn, I'd call and ask Premier! They've always been very helpful and should be able to give that information. Was there anything on the package?
DO NOT tell me about cute EE chicks!!
Mary