EllingtonArrox
In the Brooder
- Apr 2, 2022
- 8
- 17
- 19
Just thought I’d share. We’re on our second batch of chicks. The first group was brooded in the house from late March-May, and now we’re on our second group of littles. Since it’s gotten warmer (northeast Ohio), we decided to use a coop that was given to us as a brooder outside.
The coop itself is small and only probably suitable for 2-3 hens, but is working great for the 8 babies! We put screens up on the doors leading to the attached run, and the access door. This allows us to open them each day to give them fresh air without worrying about escapes. We removed the partitions from the nesting boxes for their food and water, and the brooding plate is in the main area of the coop. We don’t have a big predator issue on our property, but we still have the doors all locked and strap the nesting box closed at night.
Our plan is to move the entire coop into the run next week and remove the screen from the door to the attached run. This will allow them to explore outside a bit by the big chickens but keep them separate/safe at the same time.
I was a little concerned when we had a couple nights dip to about 40, but they’ve done great so far! And it’s so much nicer than having a dusty, smelly spare bedroom!
The coop itself is small and only probably suitable for 2-3 hens, but is working great for the 8 babies! We put screens up on the doors leading to the attached run, and the access door. This allows us to open them each day to give them fresh air without worrying about escapes. We removed the partitions from the nesting boxes for their food and water, and the brooding plate is in the main area of the coop. We don’t have a big predator issue on our property, but we still have the doors all locked and strap the nesting box closed at night.
Our plan is to move the entire coop into the run next week and remove the screen from the door to the attached run. This will allow them to explore outside a bit by the big chickens but keep them separate/safe at the same time.
I was a little concerned when we had a couple nights dip to about 40, but they’ve done great so far! And it’s so much nicer than having a dusty, smelly spare bedroom!
