Warming up the brooder for tomorrow

[Northie]

I'm getting things ready for chicks tomorrow and doing a last min check to make sure everything is set up right. this is what we've got:

Giant rubbermaid tub - with ventilation cut and screened off in the lid and a viewing window in the side for the kids. I expect them to out grow this one fairly quick and have an xl dog kennel waiting.
Brinsea ecoglow 20 brooder on the lowest level. Plugged in and warm (actually if you put your hand against the bottom its fairly hot. Is that normal?)
Bedding is wheat straw couldn't find shavings that were much coarser than saw dust.
Non medicated chick starter feed and feeder.
Waterer and a pouch of electrolytes -not sure on how to use it since one a 400g pouch is ment to be used with 2250Liters of water. Thinking about putting some pebbles/marbles in the bottom of the chick waterer so noone gets soaked.
I have grit for the budgie, do you think it would be good for the chicks too?

The anticipation is killing me lol!

 

[iwiw60]

You might want to put a temp gauge in there to 'test' your temperature..should be around 90-95 degrees when you first get them I believe. Also, you might consider using probiotic rather than electrolytes for your new chicks. I just ordered some online from Tractor Supply, and like you I don't need such huge quantities. They have a "3-pack" each pack makes up 1 gallon of water, which is perfect for me.

Best of luck to you!! My chicks are due in April 8th!!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Just a reminder. Only the sleeping section of one end needs to be 90F. Not the whole unit. Chicks need cooler places to go to if they get hot. Enjoy your chicks.

 

[donrae]

Just a reminder. Only the sleeping section of one end needs to be 90F. Not the whole unit. Chicks need cooler places to go to if they get hot. Enjoy your chicks.

This is for heat lamps. With the OP's brinsea ecoglow, it kinda takes care of that issue on it's own

My understanding is the bottom of the ecoglow should be quite warm to the touch. There are several threads here with input from folks with hands on use, you can do a quick search and get some good info.

I don't put marbles in chick waterers. My waterers have maybe an inch of water space around the jar, no need to put anything in there.

 

[iwiw60]

Just a reminder. Only the sleeping section of one end needs to be 90F. Not the whole unit. Chicks need cooler places to go to if they get hot. Enjoy your chicks.

Thanks, FredsHens .. forgot to put that in my earlier reply. Yes, the area under the light/heat lamp should be around 90-95 degrees, but the rest of the brooder should be cooler.

 

[Northie]

Here's a couple pictures for fun

The veiwing window for the kids (and me)

And inside!
I know they're going to out grow this quickly but I think it will be a good start

 

[Northie]

I wasn't really expecting this but the chicks love looking out the window almost as much as we love looking in the window!!!! One thing I will say though is it's a good thing DH made the window a double pane one and that the chicks couldn't get at the silicone he used to glue them and the brooder together because they would love to eat it. They also race to the window if you tap it to see what you're "pecking" at lol.