Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

While brooder plates supply warmth, air still moves around them from all four sides. If you had a good draft-free location that might work, but if the air temperature is cold or it is drafty your chicks may be susceptible. They have to come out from under the plate to eat and drink, and for normal activity. You might consider keeping them in for at least the first week or two until they are a little sturdier.

 

[RaZ]

Successfully make it to TSC yesterday and only looked at the bins of chicks. RIR, Australorps and orps. Ducks too. I left with only feed.

Of course I forgot the cat litter and PDZ. Do I dare return today?

 

[aart]

Of course I forgot the cat litter and PDZ. Do I dare return today?

You can do it, man!!
Resist the temptation!

While brooder plates supply warmth, air still moves around them from all four sides. If you had a good draft-free location that might work, but if the air temperature is cold or it is drafty your chicks may be susceptible. They have to come out from under the plate to eat and drink, and for normal activity. You might consider keeping them in for at least the first week or two until they are a little sturdier.

Good points. Brinsea actually CYA with saying it shouldn't be used in ambient temps less than 50F.
Tho I've had broody chicks in single digit temps...bopping around in -5F SMH, tho not for long! Draft free it the key.

 

[RaZ]

I'm resisting. It's not a problem. I have no place to put the brooder even if I wanted chicks. Still haven't started the new coop and the weather isn't going to cooperate today either. Plus, I have more clean-up from the weekend wind storm.

The plan is for pheasants later this spring. And I'm keeping an eye open for peafowl.

 

[1muttsfan]

Ooo wild jungle sounds in the Thumb

 

[RaZ]

Ooo wild jungle sounds in the Thumb

You mean other than the ones I make?

 

[1muttsfan]

Hmmmm Spring Equinox coming up...

 

[Candy442]

You may need to change out under the roost every 6 months then.

I use shavings on floor(totally changed out once or twice a year-they go to deep litter in run) and PDZ on poop boards that get sifted every day or two(poop goes to buddies compost). I would not use sand on floor.

Never used sand, seems like too much a bother. Love shavings and PDZ!
TSC Williamston has chicks...saw the sign last Saturday. Want to know what you have coming in the mail Mary, but haven't been able to get through Will keep trying!

We have a broody BCM. Brett put 9 eggs under her. Our fertility check shows about 70 percent which really suprises me. Mostly Iowa's, but they are great winter hardy breed for sure. Our Walter White Chantecler is keeping his girls busy too . Lets hope we get at least two out of this trial. Otherwise, we will definitely be firing up the two cabinet incubators.

 

[wcbpolish]

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.

I've had chicks outside (in un-insulated coop) with heat lamps since Jan 28

 

[Wahlfarm]

West Mid-Michigan here!! How do y'all resist the temptation to bring home more chicks... when your incubator already has 20 eggs and your bantam cochin just went broody on 12 eggs?! uugggh..... I guess we'll be getting cornish rock crosses! When is the real question. Anyone in here know of a good Sebright breeder in Michigan I can hook up with? Thanks!!