Newbie to chicks

[krowl]

With all that has been going on with being quarantined, we have decided to let the kids raise some chicks (with our help and supervision, of course) Something fun that they can learn about but also add to some new responsibilities etc

So, I saw some people do various brooders, dog crate, plastic bins, paper boxes...we havent figured out what we are going to do, leaning towards these plastic bind we already have... but im most lost on heat for little chicks.. lamps vs. pads? I worry also about getting the right lights and also avoiding any type of hazard a heat lamp could cause..

Looking for any advice or thoughts...we are semi handy so if you think building one is better, tell me!

 

[MountainWoman73]

Chicks aren't very picky. As long as they're warm and dry and have food and water and a little space to run around, they'll be fine with whatever you rig up.

Some considerations:

1.) Cleaning. I prefer a plastic tub because I can really hose it out when it gets gross.
2.) Messy food and water. It's preferable to get the food and water up off the ground somehow so that it gets spilled less and gets less bedding kicked into it. I put my dishes up on something like a scrap board to start with and switch to hanging feeders after 1-2 weeks.
3.) Flying/perching. After about 3 weeks, your chicks will be perching on the sides of the container and pooping on the floor around it. It's best to have some kind of a lid. My favorite way is to build a lid with wood scraps and hardware cloth. Drill some holes in the tub and attach the lid with zip ties so it opens like a hinge. This makes it easy to remove the lid later so you can use your tub for other things.

As for heat, I've heard that those brooder plates are great. More energy efficient and safer than a lamp. I use a heat lamp, just because I always have. I make sure there's no way it can fall down into the bedding and that it's an acceptable distance from any flammable materials.

Have fun. First chicks are such a joy!

 

[krowl]

Chicks aren't very picky. As long as they're warm and dry and have food and water and a little space to run around, they'll be fine with whatever you rig up.

Some considerations:

1.) Cleaning. I prefer a plastic tub because I can really hose it out when it gets gross.
2.) Messy food and water. It's preferable to get the food and water up off the ground somehow so that it gets spilled less and gets less bedding kicked into it. I put my dishes up on something like a scrap board to start with and switch to hanging feeders after 1-2 weeks.
3.) Flying/perching. After about 3 weeks, your chicks will be perching on the sides of the container and pooping on the floor around it. It's best to have some kind of a lid. My favorite way is to build a lid with wood scraps and hardware cloth. Drill some holes in the tub and attach the lid with zip ties so it opens like a hinge. This makes it easy to remove the lid later so you can use your tub for other things.

As for heat, I've heard that those brooder plates are great. More energy efficient and safer than a lamp. I use a heat lamp, just because I always have. I make sure there's no way it can fall down into the bedding and that it's an acceptable distance from any flammable materials.

Have fun. First chicks are such a joy!

Thank you so much for the info-you think a warming pad will be sufficient-i already have one of those and was thinking thats less hazerdous etc? did you provide actual perches for them in the brooder? I assume there are probably chick perches out there or you build your own?

 

[My2butterflies]

I just put in a branch from outside and propped one end up with a rock to make something for them to perch on. So far it’s working to keep them off the top of their food and water dishes.

 

[krowl]

I just put in a branch from outside and propped one end up with a rock to make something for them to perch on. So far it’s working to keep them off the top of their food and water dishes.
View attachment 2092762

Perfect idea!!!

 

[AlvinDavis]

I just put in a branch from outside and propped one end up with a rock to make something for them to perch on. So far it’s working to keep them off the top of their food and water dishes.
View attachment 2092762

Cuties

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you're thinking of using a heating pad, just make sure it does not have an auto shut off.

Not sure how many chicks you're planning on getting but my main gripes with plastic bins is they're small and lack ventilation. Not saying it can't work but not ideal for more than a few chicks.

Absolutely make a cover for it (either modify the default cover and replace the center with wire mesh or window screen material, or make a cover) as chicks learn to jump pretty early.

 

[MountainWoman73]

My tub has this handy ledge inside. I cut a board about an inch longer than the tub width and just jam it in there.

 

[krowl]

If you're thinking of using a heating pad, just make sure it does not have an auto shut off.

Not sure how many chicks you're planning on getting but my main gripes with plastic bins is they're small and lack ventilation. Not saying it can't work but not ideal for more than a few chicks.

Absolutely make a cover for it (either modify the default cover and replace the center with wire mesh or window screen material, or make a cover) as chicks learn to jump pretty early.

What have you used instead of a plastic tub?

 

[krowl]

What have you used instead of a plastic tub?

If you're thinking of using a heating pad, just make sure it does not have an auto shut off.

Not sure how many chicks you're planning on getting but my main gripes with plastic bins is they're small and lack ventilation. Not saying it can't work but not ideal for more than a few chicks.

Absolutely make a cover for it (either modify the default cover and replace the center with wire mesh or window screen material, or make a cover) as chicks learn to jump pretty early.

And we arent sure on how many chicks either...chicken math & then how many can I convince my SO that we need