NY chicken lover!!!!

[ashleymroles]

Hi Gramma! Thanks for replying.

I've done an excessive amount of research on heat lamps and alternatives (I'm a bit of a nervous Nellie when it comes to fire hazards). I decided on the mama heating pad cave idea (See https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update). I like that the fire hazard is minimal and the chicks can get as much or as little heat as they want and they aren't constantly under a light so they can sleep through the night.

I will call Lowes and Home Depot today and see if they have a refrigerator box lying around. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Beer can]

Does that hold the chicks for the entire 6 weeks? They're likely going to be in the house for at least that long with this weather.

Lol, accidentally hit post before I was done, darn phone.
I kept them that long in my unheated garage. Used a refrigerator size box with a smaller one attached with the top still on. I typically only get chicks when I know they can be put out as soon as they feather.
Appliance boxes at lowes/homedepot usually have the bottom cut out. Easily repaired when you put it on it's side and cut the now top off use that piece for patch. Tape didn't hold for me, ended up poking holes in it and 'stitching' it up with string.

 

[Beer can]

Nice article on roosters @Pyxis could've added roosters don't lay eggs Lol!
I've never known many roosters to get along, but I've never kept more than one for any length of time to 'work things out'. Never wanted more than one either.
I still have my two giant and two sussex roosters together with five hens. Was going to separate them but haven't seen any problems at all. I'll wait till a month before I start gathering hatching eggs.
I'll only keep one of each rooster, just haven't decided who's staying yet.

 

[boskelli1571]

Also, has anyone purchased chicks from the poultry hatchery in Clifton springs? I'm getting good vibes from them so far but I'd like to hear other people's experiences.

Hello and welcome!

The hatchery in Clifton Springs is actually AJ Domani - they have had very poor reviews in the past. I highly recommend Natureberry farm. It's a bit further, but Jim & Sandy love their birds, take excellent care of them and are always happy to hear your questions...take a look at their website.

 

[Lapeerian]

For those that are interested.

 

[Beer can]

Also, has anyone purchased chicks from the poultry hatchery in Clifton springs? I'm getting good vibes from them so far but I'd like to hear other people's experiences.

 

Hello and welcome!    The hatchery in Clifton Springs is actually AJ Domani - they have had very poor reviews in the past. I highly recommend Natureberry farm. It's a bit further, but Jim & Sandy love their birds, take excellent care of them and are always happy to hear your questions...take a look at their website.

I didn't want to say it cause I have no experience with them, but that is the place I thought I heard quite a few people displeased with.

 

[rancher hicks]

Sweetpea, I don't know but I'll google it and see. I doubt it's him though. Place seemed clean when I was there. I drove 2 hrs each way. Anyhow I google earthed his place and knew exactly which house was his.

Glass, I had the damp run but of course I had lots of open air to keep the moisture from building up. That's why i said just add more. Too I used straw, shavings and peat moss in the run. I don't have dirt floor coops. Though I can see why one would use them.

Hi, Ashley. Do those chickens in your arms lay "pooched eggs"? (i'm old, old people are known for lame jokes) How are things in Cato. Have you been to Happy Days lately? Welcome to Hotel California.

Beau, I do have Easter eggers and even some that are blue and lavender. I can offer you hatching eggs. Since my rooster is a split I can't guarantee what will hatch this time around. Too I'll be setting more as the hens pick up laying. Right now the incu has mostly Dels. and C. Rocks. A few Marsh Daisies too.

Hi Mitch, keep us posted to the happenings up there. I keep wanting to take a short vacation to the Adirondacks. Some place out of the way.

 

[horsekeeper]

I use Brinsea Ecoglow for brooding. The chicks love it and it doesn't get any hotter than you can pick up bare handed.

 

[rancher hicks]

Hi gramma thanks for responding!

I did a lot of research on heating lamps and alternatives (I'm a bit of a nervous Nellie when it comes to fire hazards) and we've decided on a mama heating pad cave so the chicks aren't constantly bathed in light and can get used to night and day while still being warm.

I'll call lowes and Home Depot and hopefully they have a refrigerator box or something.

Thanks again!

First check CL, lots of times I see free packing boxes that might work for you. However IF you're going to be raising chicks, you might break down and buy something more permanent. Check TSC and see if they have anything clearance. I got two pens cheap. The last one was $47. Something like this though not as big I think. One is still sitting in the box waiting for me to decide where to set it up. The other has two pullets growing up in it.

 

[rancher hicks]

Does that hold the chicks for the entire 6 weeks? They're likely going to be in the house for at least that long with this weather.

Too check the furniture stores. You might find a nice refrigerator box. I know when we were kids they make great sledding. We all piled into one and it was lots of fun.

I have to say I don't recommend those 250 watt bulbs for cardboard, but you might consider the "reptile" heat bulbs. They're less wattage and can be hung lower. Cheaper too. I still use the same fixture for the red bulbs. Also you can order lower wattage red bulbs online. .jet has 150 watters.