Using incubator as brooder

[CollieflowersBark]

Before I bought this incubator I watched some videos on it and read some reviews that made it seem as if it doubled as a brooder. It has an air hole in the top, temp regulation, and a compartment for humidity.

Today I saw something talking about babies suffocating in the incubator. I was just planning on adding some non-slip material to the floor plate and letting the birds chill in there for a while, but now I'm second guessing myself.

My eggs are still in the mail so I've definitely got time to go get a real brooder if the incubator won't do.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

I don't think that's a good idea....

 

[SueT]

I agree, not a good idea. There won’t be much headroom after chicks hatch, it’s hard to open, and not that easy to clean. I have that model. They need to be in a big box like enclosure. They also need to be able to get out of the higher temp and move to ambient temp. Yes, even when very young. Mama hen’s chicks certainly don’t stay under her all the time.

 

[Demonwolf37]

Agreed. Chicks also need much higher airflow because the ammonia from their waste will build up really quickly. Something with an open top at least is a must.

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

I'm in Florida so I usually keep mine in completely open pens.

 

[bhaugh]

You don't want any bacteria or fungus in the incubator for the next hatch. Once I'm done incubating I wash everything out and air dry. Keeping chicks in a Hatcher to poop would be disaster for future hatching

 

[PippinTheChicken]

tips on brooders
If you want, you can buy a brooder.
But I make my brooders, or find them at home.
As they get older, take the heat lamp higher up (or if you're using a heat mat or brood put the temp down). The top needs to be open- chick poop stinks and you don't want your chicks trapped in a box, inhaling their own poop.

Chicks 1day-2wks= cosy wooden box

Chicks 2wks-4wks= large see-thru storage box

4wks-7wks= very large dog pen brooder
This brooder was the best because it had a gate so I didn't reach in like an eagle to catch them. It's large so it encouraged them to explore

After that I'll move them outside.