Pine shavings? Handling?

[saellis]

If they've been drinking and eating well for a few days it's doubtful that they will confuse pine shavings with food. The concern with chicks eating shavings is mainly when they are so young they do not know what they should be eating. The occasional shaving that they do eat should not be a concern as long as it's not habitual.

 

[Quailsong]

We're well onto summer here,. whew! I don't know if we'll have any more below 50 deg nights here or not until Fall. But, I'll wait til they are a bit older. I can't wait to turn the big brooder into a coop! And build the run! In between classes!

I was very dubious about having chickens but I am glad we took this step. It's a great learning experience for Ash and they are cute little beggers!

I love your energy. That's it, that's what attitude folks should have their first time in. Chickens & other critters can be such wonderful fun and yes w/ your Ash that's a great way for hands-on learning. Best of all, you get to learn together. Even the gritty stuff, but it's honest & true - no 'fluff' like on TV or in a heavily-edited book. Just pure first-hand experience.

Best of luck w/ your building!

 

[SteamChick]

Got Brooder #2 built. It's 3 times the size of the first box. This one is 1 1/2 ft by 3 ft. I used some scrap wood I had in the garage. It'll do until I can get them out into the brooder/coop. 4-5 more weeks should put us near July and it should definitely be warm enough then. It's 87 here today and supposed to be 65 low tonight. I'm hoping to take the divider out when they get better at knowing their food and water, but they do seem to know what's edible.

 

[Quailsong]

That brooder looks pretty awesome. I like the divider. Would be nice if we could see more of those. I know I'll be going that route w/ my quail & winter nest boxes. Just seems easier for cleaning.

 

[SteamChick]

That brooder looks pretty awesome. I like the divider. Would be nice if we could see more of those. I know I'll be going that route w/ my quail & winter nest boxes. Just seems easier for cleaning.

It is very easy to clean and we save a lot of food from being mixed in with the general bedding. They like hopping over the divider as well.

 

[Quailsong]

Awesome. More exercise to reduce any boredom.