Putting chicks in a brooder that is open to the ground right away....

[ElCerritoPlace]

Is this a good idea or bad? We are getting our first batch of meat chicks in 1.5 weeks. We have a tractor set up for them. But my husband was wanting to just wrap the sides to keep out the wind and elements and use it as a brooder right away, using a heat lamp when necessary, especially at night. What are your thoughts or experiences with this? Thanks in advance!

 

[Chick Charm]

What kind of meat chicken are you getting?

I raise meaties each year. On my 2nd batch right now. I have only 5 Cornish X at present. 3 weeks old and very large. All brooded in a 4X8 meaties tractor. Only 3 nights under heat lamp. All raised on St Augustine grass yard. After the first week they get time to range & forage with the other chickens, turkey and guineas. Your temperature and soil issues will contribute greatly to your meaties health. Be watchful as they tend to be more susceptible to disease & death.

Wish ya the best.

 

[ElCerritoPlace]

What kind of meat chicken are you getting?

I raise meaties each year. On my 2nd batch right now. I have only 5 Cornish X at present. 3 weeks old and very large. All brooded in a 4X8 meaties tractor. Only 3 nights under heat lamp. All raised on St Augustine grass yard. After the first week they get time to range & forage with the other chickens, turkey and guineas. Your temperature and soil issues will contribute greatly to your meaties health. Be watchful as they tend to be more susceptible to disease & death.

Wish ya the best.

I'm getting the cornish x from sunnyside hatchery. I'm in WI so night temps can dip into the 50's, usually 60's this time of year. Do you put panels up on your tractor?

 

[Kildare49]

Your getting your Cornish on the 22nd from sunny side. Was going to as well...but they were out of cockerels. Waiting until Aug. 19th to get my cockerel order from them.

They do grow fast & are little heat boxes. But they will need supplemental heat @ night.
To this point it has been a cooler summer. This means you may( will ) need that supplemental heat during the daytime for at least the 1st week. Need to keep the wind & rain off of them.

They are broilers, you do not want them burning calories to keep warm.

 

[ElCerritoPlace]

They are broilers, you do not want them burning calories to keep warm.

No offense but that's just a little odd that you know I'm getting birds on the 22nd! . I just got straight run, as I do with my layers. I guess I didn't think about the burning calories issue. Thanks! What level protein do you start with? I bought 22% today. Have you started yours on grass right away? Thanks!

 

[Kildare49]

I just do a chick starter. When they are done with one 50# bag, they go to a 22-24% protein fermented feed 2x's/day, and have about 2,500ft2
run ( usually do 25 - 50 broilers) to keep them active. Have never had any of the health issues that I have read about in this forum.