New Brooder ???

[sgoetz]

All, We just purchased some new pullets (8 total) a couple of days ago and this is our first time raising chickens. We have them in a small Rubbermaid Pond (approx. 2'x4' oval). A couple of questions:

1. How often does the pine bedding need changed?

2. At what point in time will I need a cover on it? It's approx. 16-18" high.

3. They have feed (medicated), water (with electrolyte additives), and a heat lamp. Is their anything else that I need to add? I read somewhere where someone added sand to their brooder. Is this needed?

They all seem to be fairly healthy, but this is only day 3. Thanks for any input you all may have. It is greatly appreciated.

Steve

 

[browland84]

I change our pine bedding daily. Otherwise my house starts to smell. Also watch their water they love to kick pine shaving into it making it hard for them to drink. My chicks are 3 weeks old and are in a similar container. I just recently started putting hardware cloth on the top.

 

[sgoetz]

Thank you brownland84. The info. is much appreciated.

 

[JenifferHartman]

I use potty pads for dogs and cover the bottom of the brooder with that. Its much easier to clean and maintain. They will be able to jump/fly out of the brooder by 2-3 weeks.

 

[sgoetz]

Thanks for the input, but aren't the potty pads expensive?......I've never bought them before.

 

[JenifferHartman]

Not really. I have also lined the brooder with news paper. That works well too

 

[HickoryHollow]

I change our pine bedding daily. Otherwise my house starts to smell. Also watch their water they love to kick pine shaving into it making it hard for them to drink. My chicks are 3 weeks old and are in a similar container. I just recently started putting hardware cloth on the top.

I don't mean to highjack the thread, but this just brought up a point that I thought was my own "genius" idea.
I covered the bedding with some fine plastic mesh I had laying around.