Newbie using aRabbit Hutch Brooder

[RedRobbine]

Hi, I am Robbine.

We just got our first flock yesterday. 3 Ameracaunas, 3 Barred Rocks, and 2 Black Sex-Linked. We are using a rabbit hutch with a heat lamp for their brooder. The lady at WFC recommended pine shavings over pellett bedding for the brooder. How often should I change it out? Should I add more pine shavings daily? Any advice or tips are welcomed.

Thanks,
Robbine

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYC Robbine! So glad you joined us. There's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

You really shouldn't have to add to or change out the litter every day or even weekly. The advantage to pine chips/shavings is they absorb the moisture. If you start smelling ammonia, then you need more chips or need to clean it out and start fresh. Best get to work on a coop for them. They grow really fast!

Oh, if you haven't done so already, PLEASE put at least your general location in your profile. It could be very important if/when you ask for or offer help or advice. You know, climate issues and such. I recommend at least your state as most folks won't be able to figure out where if you put anything more specific (county, town, street, etc) by itself. Old folks like me will never remember & look there first. To add it, mouse hover over Account top right and a drop down will appear. Click on Personal Details and scan down. You'll see the spot for Location. Then go to the bottom and save changes. Thanks! Hope you enjoy the site!

 

[Plip]

Welcome Robbine! Great to have you here at BYC!

X2 what @Latestarter said about the litter.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Robbine Welcome and Congratulations!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might be interested in downloading this free e-book My First Year With Chickens

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

Sorry, I only have experience with raising chicks under a broody hen. However, in addition to the good advice Latestarter has given you, BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. These two in particular may be of assistance to you at this stage:
Topic/Question of the week - Brooding and supplementing heat for chicks
Topic of the Week - Raising Chicks

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

Best wishes and good luck!

 

[RedRobbine]

Greetings and welcome to BYC Robbine! So glad you joined us. There's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home!

You really shouldn't have to add to or change out the litter every day or even weekly. The advantage to pine chips/shavings is they absorb the moisture. If you start smelling ammonia, then you need more chips or need to clean it out and start fresh. Best get to work on a coop for them. They grow really fast!

Oh, if you haven't done so already, PLEASE put at least your general location in your profile. It could be very important if/when you ask for or offer help or advice. You know, climate issues and such. I recommend at least your state as most folks won't be able to figure out where if you put anything more specific (county, town, street, etc) by itself. Old folks like me will never remember & look there first. To add it, mouse hover over Account top right and a drop down will appear. Click on Personal Details and scan down. You'll see the spot for Location. Then go to the bottom and save changes. Thanks! Hope you enjoy the site!

 

[RedRobbine]

Thank you. We've got the coop already, just needs to be put together. I'll get my profile updated too. I appreciate your help.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Robbine Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Robbine and welcome to BYC. I wish you the best of luck with your new littles.

 

[drumstick diva]

Nice to meet you Robbine

 

[N F C]

Hi Robbine, congratulations on your new flock!