New Brooder and Pics of the Girls - Opinions?

[dbounds10]

I have moved them out of the cardboard box and into a large dog kennel brooder. I am hoping I can keep them in this until they are ready to be moved out to the coop. The are approx 10 days old today so I am thinking I have 4-5 weeks until they are ready. Texas weather should be plenty warm enough to only need a little heat at night by then.

Opinions anyone??

 

[frizzleman74]

thats exactly what i did for my brooder! Its looks nice! The chicks are sooo cute...what kind are they?..

 

[midd2005]

brooder looks quite nice. good work on blocking drafts and providing lots of space. you might think about adding some vertical structures so they have something to jump up and down on and learn to roost on. this could be a brick, a block of wood, etc. also keeps them from getting too bored.

your 4-5 week estimation isn't probably a bad one, but it really depends on your weather. what's the temp during the day time? when it matches what temp you are keeping the chicks at with the heat lamp you can start putting them outside during the day too. i took mine outside for the first time at around 12 days. just make sure there is shady spots for the to hang out in. the sun is quite a shock for them initially. and of course, depending on your outside situation, make sure it's safe for them by either staying right with them or keeping them in a hardware wire enclosure. going outside, being exposed to plants, dirt and sun is a great thing for them. they will run and flap their wings and get generally good exercise which will make them stronger in the long run.

 

[dbounds10]

Today it is 85 outside but getting down to the 60's at night. Making them a roost today out of natural tree branches from the yard. The coop is 4x6 inside a dog kennel that is 6 ft high and 12 ft wide and 18ft long. I plan to cover it with a shade cloth and wrap the whole thing in hardware cloth.

We have all the major predators here - possum, coon, skunk and coyotes. We live in a neighborhood where all lots are about an acre and they have sprung up regular lots all around so there arent as many as there used to be but chicken smell will bring them out I am sure.

The kennel is only about 50 or so feet from my back porch and I can see it out my sliding glass door. Thought about hanging a light out there to discourage them from coming close. Obviouly I will have the girls locked in the coop at night.

This is my first time with this so all your comments are welcome!

 

[dbounds10]

Quote:
2 Buff Brahmas
2 Easter Eggers
2 Barred Rocks

I hope

That is what the lady I bought them from told me. I hope and pray there are no Roos in there, time will tell.