Newbie here...Just built myself a new brooder!

[lawless116]

Hi Everyone! Im new to chicken raising but I was talked into it. I have since bought 6 baby orpingtons and they have been so much fun watching them grow. I have had them in a smaller tote but I felt like they needed more room. This weekend I took some old wood I had laying in my garage and built them a new brooder box and now they are so happy! Who knew this would be so much fun!?

 

[happyfrenchman]

Welcome to chickenry... you are in for it now.... those are nice looking chicks. Are they Blue Orpingtons or Lavender orpingtons as I have seen pictures of. They are beautiful birds.

 

[lawless116]

I believe they are lavender. I picked up from a straight run. I think I have 5 hens and 1 rooster based on watching them. We shall see if i am right. lol

 

[happyfrenchman]

Lavender orpingtons are beautiful chickens. And great layers too. Good luck with your chicks. Your brooder is nice too.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
Congrats on the adorable littles and great job on the brooder. You may, however, wish to consider building a top for it. Your chicks will be fluttering around in there before you know it and they'll flutter right up and out.
Also they may enjoy some low parches as well.
Good luck in your new adventure and I hope you enjoy the site!

 

[lazy gardener]

Pretty chicks. They will enjoy the extra room. Have you given them a plug of sod from an untreated lawn yet? That plus grit and Poultry Nutri Drench are my "must haves" when starting chicks.


And, Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[lawless116]

Pretty chicks. They will enjoy the extra room. Have you given them a plug of sod from an untreated lawn yet? That plus grit and Poultry Nutri Drench are my "must haves" when starting chicks.


And, Welcome to BYC!!!

thanks! I hadn't heard about the sod thing. I sometimes go put them in the backyard and walk around a bit haha.

 

[lawless116]

Hello and welcome to BYC!
Congrats on the adorable littles and great job on the brooder. You may, however, wish to consider building a top for it. Your chicks will be fluttering around in there before you know it and they'll flutter right up and out.
Also they may enjoy some low parches as well.
Good luck in your new adventure and I hope you enjoy the site!

Thanks for the welcome. It's been such a joy! I plan to make a top for it soon. Also gonna make some small bars about 3-4" off from the bottom to get them used to sitting on them.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Thanks for the welcome. It's been such a joy! I plan to make a top for it soon. Also gonna make some small bars about 3-4" off from the bottom to get them used to sitting on them.

 

[lazy gardener]

Sod benefits: Beneficial bacteria and fungi to jump start their digestive and immune systems. (best to initiate during the first 2 weeks while their perinatal immunity is at it's strongest) Exposes them to the soil pathogens while their immunity is at it's strongest. YES, THIS IS A GOOD THING!!!!! Gives them first grit, minerals, first greens, dust bathing opportunities, hopefully some worms, insects and seeds, and plenty of chickie games including "tidbit scrimmage" and King of the mountain.