The chicks are here!

[Rlmp817]

You can use a mama heating pad set up and brood them outside, I did that this year with my new chicks, and it is amazing how well they are doing. So active, nearly feathered at 4 weeks. I am in California, so milder weather, but I took out their heating pad last week and they are doing great.

 

[SurferchickinSB]

Here is the best pic I have right now. I'm at work

They just look like they are a few days old if that.

 

[Leonard4]

I'm about 25 miles west of Chicago, and our lows are still anywhere from the 20's to 40's.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I'm about 25 miles west of Chicago, and our lows are still anywhere from the 20's to 40's.

I routinely brood my chicks in those temperatures exactly as @Rlmp817 mentioned. It's a great way to brood if electric can be run to the coop.....my chicks self wean from heat by 4 weeks and integrate with my afult birds at 3-4 weeks.
Mid 20s the day this was taken ...this was February of last year

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

If you want to read more on the method

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...er-picture-heavy-update.956958/#post-14882145
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rt-raising-your-chicks-outdoors.71995/?page=2

 

[Leonard4]

Another quick question, the chicks are currently in a Rubbermaid bin. It's kind of small, so I want to get something bigger ASAP. I've been pens for brooders, but I definitely need something with a lid of chicken wire because we have a dog. She isn't able to get to the brooder now, but I'd feel safer with having some sort of lid or top on it. Any suggestions? Should I stick with the Rubbermaid bin? Or maybe have my husband build a big square box?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Another quick question, the chicks are currently in a Rubbermaid bin. It's kind of small, so I want to get something bigger ASAP. I've been pens for brooders, but I definitely need something with a lid of chicken wire because we have a dog. She isn't able to get to the brooder now, but I'd feel safer with having some sort of lid or top on it. Any suggestions? Should I stick with the Rubbermaid bin? Or maybe have my husband build a big square box?

How many chicks are you brooding? This will factor into space requirements

 

[Leonard4]

How many chicks are you brooding? This will factor into space requirements

We have 4 chicks

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

We have 4 chicks

The larger totes can work, especially if you transition them outside around 4 - 5 weeks (they can be managed to be off heat by then, eliminating need for power).
I use this as an icu brooder or treatment container for adult birds ...top snaps tight and can withstand 12+ pounds of cat. Tote is about 4ftx2ft

 

[Leonard4]

Thank you!