My first brooder!

[Kiowa]

Here is my home-made brooder box. I took an old wicker shelf and turned into a box. I would like to know if I should use some of that DE already or wait til they are bigger and in their coop. Also can I give them treats yet? Like peanut shells? And how long until they will be ready to move into the coop? I have hired someone to help me turn my shed into a coop.They look so happy!
This is my fastest addiction yet! LOL
I used the doors as a shelf for the food and water. I saw that and thought "great idea!" This web site has been so helpful!!!!

 

[TheRookie]

That looks nice. It doesn't take long for them to grow on you does it?

How old are the chicks? I would make sure they have grit, and then you can give them treats at about week 2, maybe earlier depending on size. DE, I would wait until you see them trying to dust bathe in the bedding and then you can put in some and let them roll around in it. (Ive never heard of giving peanut shells so I personally wouldnt try that until someone else comments) Good treats are: cut up fruits and veggies, small bits of fresh grass, and hardboiled egg yolk.

Edited to add: they could move into the coop as soon as they have all their feathers grown in, as long as you have fairly warm nights where you are.

 

[TheChicknGarden]

super cool idea!
they are indeed so addicting! i would have never thought that me getting two chicks would end up me now having 6! but man how i love them. SO fascinating and beautiful creatures.
good luck with your babies and their future coop