Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[snowflake]

TSC in Lowell, had their spot all cleaned out and ready, may have them this week

 

[1muttsfan]

Premier makes a plate brooder for up to 50 chicks, it's the one I use
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...MI-aXRr_XE2QIVCIN-Ch1HQAKAEAQYByABEgLVFfD_BwE

I don't use the cover, just put Press & Seal on top, the chicks love to sit there. They also have a medium size for up to 30 chicks.

They are safety rated with sealed electronics, easy to use, and easy to clean and disinfect.

 

[chickflick]

I'll have to check FFH. Is there still a buying limit? I only want a couple. Coop isn't that big. But, most of my girls are older and need to get some eggs for the family. Think I'll have 4 that are laying.

 

[aart]

Premier makes a plate brooder for up to 50 chicks, it's the one I use
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...MI-aXRr_XE2QIVCIN-Ch1HQAKAEAQYByABEgLVFfD_BwE

I don't use the cover, just put Press & Seal on top, the chicks love to sit there. They also have a medium size for up to 30 chicks.

They are safety rated with sealed electronics, easy to use, and easy to clean and disinfect.

So nice to see they now have larger sizes....and a rheostat for 110V(not available before-only had 220V EU version previously).

@1muttsfan how many chicks have you had under that 16x24 plate?
I think the plates, like prefab coops, overestimate the number of chicks it can handle. I had 16 under my 12x24 out in the coop and they were spilling out the sides before they were done with needing heat. I guess it might depends on ambient temps.

 

[1muttsfan]

I never have more than around 25 or so, and they have always had plenty of room. I did find out that you need to have free space around all 4 sides, or chicks can get trapped and squashed.

 

[aart]

I never have more than around 25 or so, and they have always had plenty of room. I did find out that you need to have free space around all 4 sides, or chicks can get trapped and squashed.

Do they all still fit underneath by 4-6 weeks?

Absolutely on egress at all 4 sides....and easily adjustable legs!!

 

[RaZ]

Looks like I'll be adopting barn cat or two when I go back down to the city. Approved by the Huron Valley people.

 

[robyn8]

Premier makes a plate brooder for up to 50 chicks, it's the one I use
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...MI-aXRr_XE2QIVCIN-Ch1HQAKAEAQYByABEgLVFfD_BwE

I don't use the cover, just put Press & Seal on top, the chicks love to sit there. They also have a medium size for up to 30 chicks.

They are safety rated with sealed electronics, easy to use, and easy to clean and disinfect.

I used the small one last year and loved it! My chicks seemed so happy and I was able to brood them in a dog kennel in the coop. Made integration so easy!

 

[robyn8]

Do most of you use shavings or sand in your coops? I have researched both and decided on shavings but this is the second time now that I have had ammonia issues. The bedding is very dry and 6-8 in deep but in the corners where they mostly sleep I get an ammonia smell after 6 months or so. I help the chickens scratch it up and add new litter regularly so not sure why I keep having this issue. When I notice it I clear out the bedding and start over but I'm starting to wonder if sand might be better.

 

[aart]

Do most of you use shavings or sand in your coops? I have researched both and decided on shavings but this is the second time now that I have had ammonia issues. The bedding is very dry and 6-8 in deep but in the corners where they mostly sleep I get an ammonia smell after 6 months or so. I help the chickens scratch it up and add new litter regularly so not sure why I keep having this issue. When I notice it I clear out the bedding and start over but I'm starting to wonder if sand might be better.

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.