Should I leave it or take it out

[Chicky Lover]

Should I take the feed and water out of the brooder every so often ?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any particular reason why? Chicks should have access to food and water during waking hours.

 

[Chicky Lover]

Well, I am just not sure if they should have access to it at all times, because sometimes they wake up in the middle of the night and start chirping, scratching, and pecking.

 

[Bean15]

I give my chicks 24/7 access to water and food. water is always a good idea, sometimes they'll drink it to unlodge something that they may get stuck in their throats, and food might actually help them stay quiet, they might get hungry and start chirping without it. (denying a chick of food is like setting off a fire alarm ) if you have a noise issue, consider moving the brooder into a heated garage or different room. even the basement works. where do you have it currently?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I brood outdoors now, with a heating pad, so the chicks are very quiet at night and stay put in "bed."

With a heat lamp they will not have a natural day/night cycle so will eat and drink at night as well as day.