The Heat Lamp and My Baby Chicks

[Ol Grey Mare]

Is your coop built? Is it located where electricity can be used in it?

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

Do you have a coop ready for them? Since the weather is still quite warm, you may want to consider brooding them outside in the coop.

We are currently working on getting the coop. My boyfriend wants to build one, I just want to buy one. And just the other day I was going to get one for free and I haven't heard back from my uncle yet about it. I've honestly thought about that too. I was also thinking maybe getting a top for the metal tub I want from TSC and blocking off a stall in the barn so there's no drafts. But it hasn't been used in awhile and I'm sure there are critters lurking about, I'm not sure if I want to risk it.

 

[BYC910]

Just jumped right in didn't you ? There is another option . With the weather being as hot as it is and the room being warm . Change the bulb . Use a regular 100 watt light bulb. With regular clamp brooder lamp with the bulb at the top of the tote I think they would be good at 85 degree heat . Also you can shade one end from the light.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

We are currently working on getting the coop. My boyfriend wants to build one, I just want to buy one. And just the other day I was going to get one for free and I haven't heard back from my uncle yet about it. I've honestly thought about that too. I was also thinking maybe getting a top for the metal tub I want from TSC and blocking off a stall in the barn so there's no drafts. But it hasn't been used in awhile and I'm sure there are critters lurking about, I'm not sure if I want to risk it.

If at all possible build your own coop. There are so many ideas here on BYC - look in the coops forums for ideas. We each have our own opinions of how is should be done, so discussions can get a little lively

Chicks will need to be placed in a secured area - if your barn is not predator proof, then it would be best to keep them inside until you have a permanent home for them. Everything loves chicken.

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

Just jumped right in didn't you ? There is another option . With the weather being as hot as it is and the room being warm . Change the bulb . Use a regular 100 watt light bulb. With regular clamp brooder lamp with the bulb at the top of the tote I think they would be good at 85 degree heat . Also you can shade one end from the light.

Yeah it was a last minute decision. But I never take on anything I can't handle and my step father is usually here for advice and he has tons of other chickens. I just got mixed views and was hoping for suggestions. I will definitely look into that. I have the lamp on now and changed the position and they seem pretty happy right now. But I'm going to re-read all the suggestions tomorrow and re-adjust my brooder set up.

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

If at all possible build your own coop. There are so many ideas here on BYC - look in the coops forums for ideas. We each have our own opinions of how is should be done, so discussions can get a little lively

Chicks will need to be placed in a secured area - if your barn is not predator proof, then it would be best to keep them inside until you have a permanent home for them. Everything loves chicken.

I'll definitely send my boyfriend that way. He just really wants a bigger run than the ones Tractor Supply has to offer. My step-dad has hand built coops that have fairly large runs. Unfortunately free range chickens won't be a thing here, we have a whole hawk family living on the border of our woods. I just saw one the other day. So a big run is important.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I'll definitely send my boyfriend that way. He just really wants a bigger run than the ones Tractor Supply has to offer. My step-dad has hand built coops that have fairly large runs. Unfortunately free range chickens won't be a thing here, we have a whole hawk family living on the border of our woods. I just saw one the other day. So a big run is important.

The run size it's only a part of the issue with the coops from tsc.

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

The run size it's only a part of the issue with the coops from tsc.

I had a feeling that they were no good. The only reason why I wanted to buy one is because of the timing, and that we're going to need a bigger tub soon.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The only other thing I can think of that may be "quick" would be buying a garden/utility shed at some place like Lowes/Home Depot - google something like converting storage shed into chicken coop. This may last longer and be sturdier - you can also re-inforce them if need be(?) I'm not a builder, so...

A coop does not have to be elaborate - just functional. Take a couple of days and really study how you want your coop.

Here's an idea to get you started:
http://simplelivingcountrygal.com/converting-a-shed-into-a-chicken-coop/
https://www.backyardbuildings.com/blog/2013/converting-your-shed-into-a-chicken-coop/

 

[Sheeshabeesh]

The only other thing I can think of that may be "quick" would be buying a garden/utility shed at some place like Lowes/Home Depot - google something like converting storage shed into chicken coop. This may last longer and be sturdier - you can also re-inforce them if need be(?) I'm not a builder, so...

A coop does not have to be elaborate - just functional. Take a couple of days and really study how you want your coop.

Here's an idea to get you started:
http://simplelivingcountrygal.com/converting-a-shed-into-a-chicken-coop/
https://www.backyardbuildings.com/blog/2013/converting-your-shed-into-a-chicken-coop/

It's so funny that you say that! Lol we were just at lowes the other day and my boyfriend said the same thing! I never knew it was an actual thing! Aha