My water trough brooder....is it big enough? And other questions

[k2chickens]

Well, here is my 100 gallon water trough brooder. Now is holding 5 three week old mixed chicks with another 5 one week old mixed chicks. So that would bring 10 chicks total!

So, do you guy's think that it is big enough for now??? Also, im finding that the chicks are getting their water dirty....VERY OFTEN....since i just added the new babies to the original group. Is there anything i can do to stop this or will i have to deal with it since of the age difference of the 10 chicks???

Finally, the food the farmer gave me that ive been feeding the chicks ran out a few days ago, and since then ive been feeding them 20% protein chick feed/grower from Rural King. Ive been noticing that a few of the chicks poo was really runny. So im wanting to know if this is a huge problem or not. On a side note, ive also started putting some ACV in the watering tower...but only a tablespoon's worth each re-fill.

Thanks guys, i hope im doing everything right!!!

Also...could you guy's be kind enough to re-size this picture for me so it can be as big as BYC allows and so i can use it as my avatar??? That's my arm in the picture with my little red sex linked pullet Lauren sitting on my arm.

Thanks again!!

 

[Bock_Bock]

it will be big enough for the first couple weeks but just keep an eye on thwem after that to see if they pic on each other it means they need more room and the answer to your dirty water problem is to raise the water up a little i used a brick so that way they can sit on the brisk and drink water and it kept all the bedding out of it, youll be surprised how much those little buggers can jump there will be no problem

 

[the_great_snag]

The feed you are using should be fine. Since those all appear to be standard breeds you should be fine on space at least for a while.

You definitely should elevate their feed and water. Litter will drive you batty if you keep the feeders down on the bedding.

The previous poster's idea to use bricks that they have to climb is excellent. I usually construct some sort of pedestal for my waterer and then elevate it yet again above the pedestal to discourage them from hopping into the water. Done properly you should see almost NO litter in your water.

The feeder and waterer should be ideally just low enough for them to comfortably reach the contents. NO LOWER unless you enjoy cleaning them often!

 

[k2chickens]

awww dang!!! was hopeing for new posts

 

[k2chickens]

Any help guys?!?

 

[Wynette]

My DH used JB Weld to attach a hook on top of my chick waterer. THis way, I can suspend it from above. My feeder also is hang-able. Easy to adjust in small increments.

Your tub should be fine but probably only for a few weeks. I use a metal horse trough for mine, but they're not typically in for more than 3-4 weeks. Let's see...last time, I moved them to a larger brooder when they were 4 weeks, and I had...13 total.

You'll need to put something over the top asap, because by now, they can fly out if they want! I use a panel from one of those dog crates that comes apart...that's what I hang the water & feeder from as well.

 

[k2chickens]

Thanks for the help the hanging idea is a good idea! I never would have thought of that but it would probably solve the problem of them dumping over there feed and scratching it so often!

We are in the process of getting the material for our coop so the tub will only be used for a couple more weeks!

 

[marcym]

I use a metal water tank with an old screen door on top of it. I cut a slit at one end to hang the light through. I have cement blocks that the feeder and waterer are sitting on. That has made a world of difference keeping crap out and the feed in. I have 20 almost 3 week old chicks, but they will be out of there by the time they are 4 weeks.

 

[k2chickens]

my chicks show hardly any intentions on trying to fly, but it's better to be safe..as they say

 

[k2chickens]

so any other advice my friends?