Had the same problem with my 2x4 brooder. Very simple easy fix. Go to the grocery store and get a few peices of posterboard. Cut it in 6 in strips, and tack along the bottom of the brooder. The chicks can't get out, and they are not smart enough to figure out how to get back in. Lost several chicks this way. That posterboard boarder along the bottom until they are too big to fit through that chicken wire did the trick. AND since it's tacked on, it's easy to take off and replace when its time for a fresh round of chicks. Another thing to try, a roll of screen instead of chicken wire. This'll also have the added benefit of keeping flies out of the brooder if you open the garage door. I have chickens that live in my garage nearly full time. Sometimes, broodies are in to hatch in peace, sometimes hospital for serial killer survivors, (she's mending really well btw) and for the silkies and Pat the Rat who can't live with the LF birds.Ours is enclosed and heated/ac, As for bedding for the brooder not sure, was thinking of wood chips but that is hardware cloth on the bottom and may defeat using the sand under it. I posted pics on a couple other threads and was informed that chicks can get through the holes in chicken wire so I am going to have to modify it.
65? Pfff. That ain't nuttin.
This still cracks me up. I posted it on my FB page a few weeks ago. My friend says it sounds just like me, except my birds are more colorful.
If mama is having to get her chicks up and down a ramp, you're going to have to put the chicks that haven't figured it out yet up with her. She's not abandoning them really, she just can't get them up the ramp. Getting down is easier, getting up, not so easy. It'll take a less time than you think. I always help my mama's with their chickes getting up until they've figured it out themselves. That's why I put a alot of broodies into the garage broody areas. Even have a broody coop that is just an old converted dog coop with a good door and lock. Well, had. It's now the phoenix coop. BUT anyway, give mama her chicks back. She'll do much better raising them than you can. Not kidding. I have a lot of experience in that department. My mama raised birds are much healthier and more robust faster than brooder babies.
yeah... those boxes sure don't last long for growing chicks lol.
within a month or so you will be getting 18-24 eggs a week. breakfast will be worth it
I am excited about that too, should not be too long after that the other 6 girls should be up and going too! Then we should be looking at our next hatch (with some French Wheaton Maran's and Blue 'Lorp's added in)
