Smelly brooder

[cooknwoman]

I've had chickens since 2001. Although, been awhile since I bought meat birds. We picked up a mix of 24 turkeys & chicken only yesterday. Put them in a 20"x40" cardboard box, 1"-1½" clean pine chips, water with Sav-a-chick, chick starter & chick grit. We've got the light where the box below is 95° but the one day later I smell a sour smell - I have them in a bathroom with the door closed - do they need more ventilation? Should I open the door, or will they get cold?? They are all eating and drimking very well. Advice please!!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hard to have that many without smell inside .. Can you seperate the turkey to another box ?
Welcome to Backyard Chickens. If any are full feathered you can put them outside without heat.

 

[aart]

We've got the light where the box below is 95° but the one day later I smell a sour smell - I have them in a bathroom with the door closed - do they need more ventilation? Should I open the door, or will they get cold??

Would be good if you have an exhaust fan in the bathroom.
The heat should be about 90° under the light, but they also need a cooler(~80°) spot in the brooder.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Yes, they need more ventilation. And a lot more space. I agree to raise the lamp so it's not too warm and have the other side as close to ambient temp as you can manage.

 

[Dr Evy]

Welcome to BYC. We’re so glad you joined! Good luck!

 

[BlueBaby]

Hello, and welcome! Good luck with the chick's and poult's!

 

[Isadora]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! I'm so glad you decided to join our friendly and helpful community.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC! Good luck with your new flock.

 

[Boppo]

Space seems to be a magic ingredient in keeping the birds from smelling too much in the brooder. Plus pine shavings are nearly magic. That is a lot of birds in a bathroom! Do you have a 2nd bathroom to use yourself? Just wondering.

 

[N F C]

Thanks for joining.