Ramp question: Can chickens hang a right? (90° turn)

[ChaosMom]

…Folks have chicken tunnels that run hundreds of feet around their yards and the chicks navigate just fine. They might have a bird brain but they are pretty smart.

Whoops, I thought I had already replied (this has been Quite the Day.) I hadn’t thought of starting them out INSIDE the coop!

I love the mental image of the bolder part. It reminds me of when the grandsons come over and the Brio wooden train tracks come out!

 

[Toothpick]

Whoops, I thought I had already replied (this has been Quite the Day.) I hadn’t thought of starting them out INSIDE the coop!

I love the mental image of the bolder part. It reminds me of when the grandsons come over and the Brio wooden train tracks come out!

I have started all my new chicks inside the coop for a couple days before giving them access to the run. I know that's not practical for some folks with smaller coops. But for me it works great. They get used to the coop being home before they are set free and I've never had an issue with them not finding their way back inside at dusk.

I wouldn't mind a chicken tunnel or two just because I think it's funny looking. It is like a chicken train track haha.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

I have started all my new chicks inside the coop for a couple days before giving them access to the run. I know that's not practical for some folks with smaller coops. But for me it works great. They get used to the coop being home before they are set free and I've never had an issue with them not finding their way back inside at dusk.

I wouldn't mind a chicken tunnel or two just because I think it's funny looking. It is like a chicken train track haha.

I have some baby RIB chicks coming April 17th and have a larger coop with the plan of keeping them in my coop until building a run and long ramp so I can set them free. Until able to let them free range. Any advice on keeping them in my coop? Here is pictures of my coop https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...oing-to-be-on-a-6-x-10-trailer.1578351/page-3.

 

[Toothpick]

I have some baby RIB chicks coming April 17th and have a larger coop with the plan of keeping them in my coop until building a run and long ramp so I can set them free. Until able to let them free range. Any advice on keeping them in my coop? Here is pictures of my coop https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...oing-to-be-on-a-6-x-10-trailer.1578351/page-3.

Looks like the doors close and good ventilation up top. Shouldn't be a problem. How many chicks?

 

[Chicken_man_J]

Looks like the doors close and good ventilation up top. Shouldn't be a problem. How many chicks?

Between 8-12. Any input on getting a heat lamp, feeder and chick waterer along with starter feed?

 

[Toothpick]

Between 8-12. Any input on getting a heat lamp, feeder and chick waterer along with starter feed?

You can pick all that up at your local Tractor Supply or co-op. Just get some 20% chick starter/grower. Folks will say putting a heat lamp in a coop is dangerous and while I agree and I don't generally do it myself....it can be done. You just gotta make sure you secure it so it can't fall and isn't close to anything that will burn. They get HOT. Also, monitor the temp inside the coop. Like put a thermometer on the opposite side of the heat lamp because with it all closed up it might heat the coop up 100+ degrees.

Heat lamp is the cheapest option but if you want to be safer get a heating plate.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

You can pick all that up at your local Tractor Supply or co-op. Just get some 20% chick starter/grower. Folks will say putting a heat lamp in a coop is dangerous and while I agree and I don't generally do it myself....it can be done. You just gotta make sure you secure it so it can't fall and isn't close to anything that will burn. They get HOT. Also, monitor the temp inside the coop. Like put a thermometer on the opposite side of the heat lamp because with it all closed up it might heat the coop up 100+ degrees.

Heat lamp is the cheapest option but if you want to be safer get a heating plate.

Any particular heating plate brand and how would I use them. I understand about the lamp getting hot. Would I need a thermometer if I were to get a heating plate and what dimensions should I get? Does the plate have to be flat or angled (roof like)? I will talk to the feed store on Monday. Does the starter/grower feed need to be medicated? Would prefer buying locally to support small business rather than ordering.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Would I need a thermometer if I were to get a heating plate and what dimensions should I get? Does the plate have to be flat or angled (roof like)? I will talk to the feed store on Monday.

Frankly I don't own a thermometer, a plate can be assessed with your own hand - it should feel warm/hot, but not burning hot. You angle it yourself, usually the legs are adjustable.

Does the starter/grower feed need to be medicated?

That's up to your own preference. I don't feed medicated because I hope to build up resistance through exposure, but I keep Corid on hand just in case.

 

[Toothpick]

Any particular heating plate brand and how would I use them. I understand about the lamp getting hot. Would I need a thermometer if I were to get a heating plate and what dimensions should I get? Does the plate have to be flat or angled (roof like)? I will talk to the feed store on Monday. Does the starter/grower feed need to be medicated? Would prefer buying locally to support small business rather than ordering.

I only have experience with Brinsea. Mine is the kind that they can get under and you can adjust the height as they grow. I think the one I got says 20 chicks. But like mostly everything associated with chickens the manufactures love to exaggerate the chick count. But for 8-12 chicks a plate that says 20 chicks will be good. Flat or angled I guess is up to you, or maybe try both and see what the chicks like. I keep mine flat.




If you get a heat plate you don't need the thermometer. I suggested that because the chicks need a place to get warm and a place to get cool. They will self regulate. But if the heat lamp is heating the entire coop up then they have no place to cool down.

I don't think medicated feed is necessary. I've never used any sort of medicated feed.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

I only have experience with Brinsea. Mine is the kind that they can get under and you can adjust the height as they grow. I think the one I got says 20 chicks. But like mostly everything associated with chickens the manufactures love to exaggerate the chick count. But for 8-12 chicks a plate that says 20 chicks will be good. Flat or angled I guess is up to you, or maybe try both and see what the chicks like. I keep mine flat.

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If you get a heat plate you don't need the thermometer. I suggested that because the chicks need a place to get warm and a place to get cool. They will self regulate. But if the heat lamp is heating the entire coop up then they have no place to cool down.

I don't think medicated feed is necessary. I've never used any sort of medicated feed.

In the process of getting everything ready. Should I keep them in a clear plastic tub inside the coop? If so would I just place the heat plate inside of it with water and starter feed? The feed store told me they keep them for a day so they can be re-hydrated after shipping. For waters and feeders is there a particular one?