New member with a quick question

[notsoangrybirds]

Hello, It's been a little over a week now since getting our 6 chicks- they're doing well and seem to be growing FAST. Brooder box is a large 2'x3' sized plastic tote with high sides which seems to be doing the job- although I did cover it yesterday with a section of metal screen when I saw one of the chicks standing on top of the water bottle looking over the side. I feel like they are (or soon will be) outgrowing this set up. I like the plastic aspect of what I'm using now as it's easy to clean and can be set on a table. Any suggestions out there from the experienced chicken people?

 

[Kevin565]

I don't have any suggestions but

 

[Habibs Hens]

im using a tote same as you

and at 1 week old they can fly and roost on its rim

thats natural for them but they will be fine a little longer

just give them a branch to roost on so they dont fly to the top and try roost on the lip

 

[cjschickens]

That tote will work for at least 2-3 wks. Just keep a screen on top. I use a piece of screen fabric, ( you can get this on a roll at Lowes )and cut it bigger than the cont. Then I linked two bungie straps together, and went around the tote below the lip that holds the lid on. It's not real handy to have to take this off everytime -- but it does keep the chicks from hopping out ! After they are about 4 wks. you will have to make or buy a coop for them. They also should have a board for roosting on, in this new coop. It's natural for a chicken to want to roost at night. Best wishes -- chickens are a pile of fun !

 

[TwoCrows]

from New Mexico!

I use those plastic totes too for the first 2 weeks, then I switch them over to dog crates. (You can get them at walmart or pet stores) I have several sizes, from small to extra large German Shepard size, depending on the size of my brood. I keep them in my living room, LOL, so I not only cover the sides to keep the drafts down, (VERY important), and also to keep the stuff inside the brooder. Also keeps dogs from looking in. LOL I also install a roost in there for them so they learn to roost early on. They start roosting at 2 weeks old. That way when they get to the coop, there are no issues with sleeping on the floor or in nest boxes.




Good luck and welcome to the forums!

 

[notsoangrybirds]

Thanks for the info. So if I understand correctly- I should be able to move them to their permanent (outside) coop at that time? Any temperature issues I should be concerned with? I'm in northern Illinois. Thanks again

 

[TwoCrows]

I have always kept my broods indoors until they are fully feathered, which is usually 6 weeks old. Keep the brooder lamp on them, lowering the temp by 5 degrees each week until they are used to room temp. When you do move them out into the coop, if you are having a cold snap, you can still keep the heat lamp on them, although a few feet above them. So if they need the heat, they will use it, if not then they can move away.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. :Good luck and have fun. thumbsup

 

[The Red Rooster]

 

[greymane]