Spring 2017 first timers post!

[rainee63]

Oh my god, wait, do you think instead of using hardware cloth or chickenwire around the bottom of the makeshift brooder, I could just... use cardboard around the bottom half of the sides? Like, is there a downside to having no airflow on their level for chicks? Or have I reinvented an ingeneous solution for those of us who don't have/can't make non-jury-rigged brooders?

Well... I can't say anything about airflow, cuz I'm not sure. When my babies were little they did manage to squeeze themselves out through some of the bigger holes in the cage wire. I used some strips of wood across those. It was very temporary. They got too big to escape pretty quick

 

[naturegeek168]

Oh my god, wait, do you think instead of using hardware cloth or chickenwire around the bottom of the makeshift brooder, I could just... use cardboard around the bottom half of the sides? Like, is there a downside to having no airflow on their level for chicks? Or have I reinvented an ingeneous solution for those of us who don't have/can't make non-jury-rigged brooders?

I don't see how it would be any different than people who brood in a cardboard box or, like me, use some sort of tub

 

[twoisforjoy]

I don't see how it would be any different than people who brood in a cardboard box or, like me, use some sort of tub

!!! That is awesome. Thank you!

 

[lazy gardener]

Quote: Don't know why I didn't see this post a week ago? got your chicks yet? Mud room would be fine, and IMO preferable to being in the main part of your house where the temp is much higher.

 

[bajabirdbrain]

Well, Margie is still limping but otherwise seems ok? We took the entire family to the coop for the first time about noon. We have kept checking them all afternoon and they seem fine. They LOVE their sod clump. We will put them to bed about 6:30 pm as we have light on in the coop. Will do one more welfare check before going to bed ourselves. Last night it was about 45 degrees outside so that is almost 20 degrees colder than what the house is in the mornings, gulp. TBC, BB

 

[Honora]

Yes. I had 3 bantams and 4 australorp eggs. Nothing from the bantams

2 australorps hatched out today. I think the other two have pipped. One I can see breathing movements, the other is still. It's a mini incubator, so I opened it just a few seconds to scoop out the egg shells. But other than that I am doing my best to leave everything alone.

That's awesome you have at least 2! Hope the others hatch for you soon.

 

[rainee63]

That's awesome you have at least 2! Hope the others hatch for you soon.

Thanks! I think 3 will be it, as the other is still not moving. But it hasn't been quite 24 hours yet. I think I'm done for a while. Now to get everyone situated and happy. This is quite a nerve wracking thing, hatching chicks!

A pic I made with my photo editor -

 

[Merrymouse]

Well, Margie is still limping but otherwise seems ok? We took the entire family to the coop for the first time about noon. We have kept checking them all afternoon and they seem fine. They LOVE their sod clump. We will put them to bed about 6:30 pm as we have light on in the coop. Will do one more welfare check before going to bed ourselves. Last night it was about 45 degrees outside so that is almost 20 degrees colder than what the house is in the mornings, gulp. TBC, BB

Hmm. sorry your chick is limping. I really dont know how to help you but just wanted to say sorry. I feel like as long as its not getting worse its ok to only see small improvements. My sick chick is making small improvements every day and that is why Im not giving up on her.

ETA: I couldnt see your pictures.

 

[infanman360]

Made mind from PVC. I just moved mine to the box and secured it so they can't get out and predictors can't get in. I have 2 amber whites, 2 Asian blues, 2 brown leghorns. They are about 3-4 weeks old. I'm going to get 2 road island reds tomorrow.

 

[NewCooper]

It's my first time too! I'm starting may 5th with 6 week olds 24 of them ahah! A mix of Easter eggers, leghorns, and white rocks! I'm super excited come fall I will be downsizing to 12 (if I have enough hens) and I'm hoping to have good laying all winter I picked up 2 large coops capable of housing 12-15 chickens comfortably! Definitely will be posting pictures as I get it all setup next week!