please could you summarise the broody conditions required

[busylizzie]

Eggs hatching as i type....pls could someone let me know the approximate conditions required in the brooder.....i have a big box, thermometre, little waterer and crumb holder and mix and a heat lamp ready to go but need to know what temp to aim for......plus what else do they need.....bedding? toys? (or does that sound silly)

many thanks in advance

 

[write2caroline]

The temp needs to be about 95degrees hatch to end of first week with room so if that is too warm they can get away from it and if they feel cold can go back into the warmth. I used ground walnut shells in my brooder with much success but others used pine shavings. Sometimes they eat the shavings so people use paper towels on top first couple of days.

Look on the brooder thread for other ideas like large dog crates and such.

I used a plastic bin- Two a smaller one and switched to a larger one later

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Dip their beaks in water as soon as you place them in the brooder and have starter crumbles ready for them to eat.

I also kept a wire cover on my brooder because I have cats and the chicks start flying pretty early.

that should get you started.

Cal
Jax FL

 

[jenjscott]

The only thing I can add is sometimes I sprinkle a little feed around on the paper towels around the feeder the first day or so, they almost always go right after it, and will soon find the feeder. The water dipping is the most important part.

 

[busylizzie]

thanks - i will post a photo of my brooder in a minute and you can check my work

 

[jenjscott]

...picture?