Oops, dumb brooder question

[Ridgerunner]

If you brood in the tub I'd close the drain spout and tape some heavy duty plastic over that. You do not want to plug up the drain and get a plumber's bill to fix that. You need to be able to clean really well when they are gone. Protect that drain.

I'd be tempted to spread heavy plastic on the floor if they can roam at all to keep their poop from staining it. Close the toilet lid and keep it closed. Before too long they will be able to fly. You don't want them to fly into the toilet and drown.

As I mentioned earlier, if they are confined to a crate or box, spread cardboard under it to protect the floor. Or use heavy plastic. For only three chicks a bathroom that you don't use isn't too bad a spot. But still protect it and look around for hazards they can get into. They are remarkably good at getting into trouble.

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

If you brood in the tub I'd close the drain spout and tape some heavy duty plastic over that. You do not want to plug up the drain and get a plumber's bill to fix that. You need to be able to clean really well when they are gone. Protect that drain.

I'd be tempted to spread heavy plastic on the floor if they can roam at all to keep their poop from staining it. Close the toilet lid and keep it closed. Before too long they will be able to fly. You don't want them to fly into the toilet and drown.

As I mentioned earlier, if they are confined to a crate or box, spread cardboard under it to protect the floor. Or use heavy plastic. For only three chicks a bathroom that you don't use isn't too bad a spot. But still protect it and look around for hazards they can get into. They are remarkably good at getting into trouble.

The comment about the shower drain is a VERY good idea. It is an enclosed shower stall with wall and a door, so I doubt they'd get out to the toilet before they move outside...hope not!! The walls are about 6 feet tall (2m) I believe.

 

[Susili]

Not sure that I would even think of the shower, I am against it , feels too risky , where is the light going to hook on to ?

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

Not sure that I would even think of the shower, I am against it , feels too risky , where is the light going to hook on to ?

I'm doing the "mama heating pad" method, so no lamp. It basically works like a heat plate. We've kept chicks in the shower before and it worked really well...except it was wayyy too hard to keep clean the way I did it last time. This time I'm going to plan ahead so I don't end up with poopy bedding sneaking out of their container into the shower itself AND so I can clean out everything more easily. I totally see your concern though - I won't use heat lamps at all. The fire hazard scares me.

 

[rosemarythyme]

And also a solution where I dont find glued-on dried poops stuck to the shower tile itself.

Actually the stuck on poop wasn't an issue for me... the greasy, grimy chicken dander was. Lots of scrubbing to get that stuff off even a smooth surface like fiberglass or tile!

Not sure that I would even think of the shower, I am against it , feels too risky , where is the light going to hook on to ?

Eh, I did a heat lamp in a tub/shower before. It was hung from the shower head + clamped on the tub faucet + suspended with additional wire off the shower rod for stability. Actually probably less fire risk in a tub or shower since the tile won't burn easily, as long as you keep towels, shower curtains, etc away, but because it's a confined space you can overheat it easily.

 

[My2butterflies]

Actually the stuck on poop wasn't an issue for me... the greasy, grimy chicken dander was. Lots of scrubbing to get that stuff off even a smooth surface like fiberglass or tile!



Eh, I did a heat lamp in a tub/shower before. It was hung from the shower head + clamped on the tub faucet + suspended with additional wire off the shower rod for stability. Actually probably less fire risk in a tub or shower since the tile won't burn easily, as long as you keep towels, shower curtains, etc away, but because it's a confined space you can overheat it easily.

Vinegar makes quick work of cleaning it up. Just spray on, let sit a few minutes and wipe off.