Looks like I have another question(s). My neighbor built me a brooder box yesterday which he brought over this morning. It is made of of old cedar fencing and is a nice, secure box with a latching hardware cloth top.
I have read both here and on another forum that cedar shavings can be dangerous and that you should use pine straw (we have TONS) or pine shavings for litter. Is the box being made of cedar a bad/dangerous thing? I would absolutely hate to hurt his feelings but do not want to harm the chicks.
I do not have a bator so will have to do the chick removal and reunion after the guineas are hatched. Is it really 28 days? I had read 25 somewhere & that is what I was hoping for.
They definitely need to be protected from all predators. Inside they go, with Mamma. If you dont want mamma, then a heat lamp is an absolute must. They have to be kept very warm - 90 degrees at least the first two weeks.
just saw your comment on cedar vs pine. Cedar emits a vapor that is hard on their lungs. If it is old cedar, no problem. But the new stuff could be too much. Pine also has vapors, but not nearly as much and can be tolerated when there is ventilation.
Go to MyPetChicken.com. They have a great downloadable guide on raising chicks. I followed it and have been very happy - chicks too.