The 4th Annual BYC Easter Hatch-a-long

[SilkieSensation]

Originally Posted by Happy Chooks


As a reminder, post pictures of your total eggs set for the hatch - so we can record them and get the "How many will hatch contest going". The eggs need to be set between 3/7-3/11 to qualify for this hatch.


I'm assuming this is for chickens. I have Coturnix to set yet as well & those don't get set until the 12th. And people with buttons set even later.

 

[noahsmom]

I seen my local walmart had Plastic kiddie pools still in the plastic ready to set out, Just in time to pick one up for a brooder

What are your alls plans for a brooder for your chicks? I plan to use a rubbermaid tub at first to put them in, for probably the first two weeks. From their if I have many hatch then I will have to go larger and I plan to use a plastic kiddie pool, probably a 5' one to allow more room for the chicks since they will be in with us for several weeks.

 

[Gardeningmama]

I seen my local walmart had Plastic kiddie pools still in the plastic ready to set out, Just in time to pick one up for a brooder

What are your alls plans for a brooder for your chicks? I plan to use a rubbermaid tub at first to put them in, for probably the first two weeks. From their if I have many hatch then I will have to go larger and I plan to use a plastic kiddie pool, probably a 5' one to allow more room for the chicks since they will be in with us for several weeks.

This is my brooder and I absolutely LOVE it. DH built it, and it's on an island in my computer room. It has a removable divider, and hinged screened lid. Works for LF for about 3 weeks (then they stink too much and have to go to the pens in the basement)


.

 

[Shellz]

I just had my first hatch in January. Just 6 chicks to test the new incubator. Started with a Rubbermaid tub on top of my hobby table in basement. Then used a kiddie pool with chicken wire & bubble wrap around it. When that fell apart, it was time to go to the grow-out coop. I won't be hatching chicks in winter again. But it was fun! Hubby will be building a mega brooder similar to yours, gardeningmama. I'm picking up 28 chicks from the hatchery and I set 20 eggs for this hatch-a-long. Wasn't planning on 20, but hey, the more the merrier right? Lol!

 

[rarebear]

I seen my local walmart had Plastic kiddie pools still in the plastic ready to set out, Just in time to pick one up for a brooder

What are your alls plans for a brooder for your chicks? I plan to use a rubbermaid tub at first to put them in, for probably the first two weeks. From their if I have many hatch then I will have to go larger and I plan to use a plastic kiddie pool, probably a 5' one to allow more room for the chicks since they will be in with us for several weeks.

I go to Lowes or Home Depot and get either range or refrigerator boxes and then cut the tops off. I then cut up the rest of the box to make flat pieces that can fit on the base which allows for changing in case the chicks spill water etc. I cut the boxes high enough so the chickies cannot fly out, maybe 24 inches...and also make a doorway open at the top with side cut down that allow me easy access but pushes back into place to keep them in. I hope this makes sense?

 

[Arielle]

Quote: I had one lt sussex pullet and she was huge-- very fast growing. I need to decide which breed to stick with. By the end of summer I will make a decision. I want to focus on just two breeds at most.

 

[Arielle]

Quote: My girls are very social. Most get to free range and that means sitting on the porch steps in the winter sun. THank goodness for a hose with hot water, they leave me presents.

 

[Arielle]

Candled eggs tonight to check air cells.... Looks like I've got way more clears than I originally thought. And I've got two, maybe three, that look like quitters.

WTH?

HOpe you find the answer..
I had about 50% clears in my first batch of the season, but then I expected that as I had not been able to collect eggs immediately after laying and many were too cold for too long. Second batch much better-- days are warming up

 

[noahsmom]

This is my brooder and I absolutely LOVE it. DH built it, and it's on an island in my computer room. It has a removable divider, and hinged screened lid. Works for LF for about 3 weeks (then they stink too much and have to go to the pens in the basement)


.

That's wonderful! Right at eye level and looks great on the island!

I go to Lowes or Home Depot and get either range or refrigerator boxes and then cut the tops off. I then cut up the rest of the box to make flat pieces that can fit on the base which allows for changing in case the chicks spill water etc. I cut the boxes high enough so the chickies cannot fly out, maybe 24 inches...and also make a doorway open at the top with side cut down that allow me easy access but pushes back into place to keep them in. I hope this makes sense?

Makes sense and that's a really good idea and free!

 

[Arielle]

I use a vareity of items for brooding. For small batches I brood in plastic tubs. THen I can stash them almost any where. I do have a wooden brooder that is great because the wood wicks way the moisture. ANd a broodie!