New Larger Brooder

[aclee]

So I have 40 chicks that range in age between about 10 days and maybe 15 days old. I currently have them in a large box in the house, but they just need more room, they are growing really fast (cornish) I picked up a huge shipping crate to make their next brooder, and it's awesome, but so huge, it doesn't fit in the house. So I have it in the garage. The people that had it before us had it outside (guessing it didn't fit in their house either) so it was quite wet when we picked it up. It has mostly dried out, but the wood still feels either damp, or maybe just cold? I'm going to put a nice thick layer of pellets and shavings in the bottom, and use two heat lamps in there, but does the wood have to be bone dry? I'm good about stirring up the bedding everyday so that any wet spots dry out...

Thanks!
Amy

 

[NonnasBabies]

I wouldn't think so!! It should be fine.....

Missi

 

[NattiFan]

If you're worried about it and want to make sure the wood is dried out....why don't you use those couple heat lamps and leave them on for a day or so to help dry it out?

 

[felidaet]

I agree with letting it dry out for a day or two with the heat lamps. Don't put bedding or anything in it while you are drying it. You might also setup a fan on a low setting pointing at the box to get better air circulation.

If you have warm sunny weather, open the garage door and let nature dry it out.