What in the world are these chicks doing in the brooder

[CapricornFarm]

If you want to give them a treat, mashed boiled egg is perfect. They go insane over it, you will laugh!

 

[chicken_noob]

I hear ya on the shavings in the water. I was clearing mine out 3-4times a day. But then when I built a larger brooder I made a divider. 1/2 shavings and 1/2 sand. In the sand side I also placed 2 bricks for the food/water feeders to sit on. Sand is heavier and they don't throw it around to much..unlike the scratching they do over in the shavings side. And sadly they do.t grow outta this or learn not to throw stuff in the water, I had to do this in all the big birds pens.

 

[Lil'ChickFarm]

What type of wire do you use to raise chicks on? Hardware cloth?
Chicks are more fun then going to the movies.

 

[sadies chicks]

Pine pellets vs pine shavings are definitely the way to go. The babies are not able to kick them in to the water as well. I would still recommend raising the water dish though, that helps tremendously.

Have fun with the chicks!!

 

[gritsar]

Be aware - if you are raising a heavy or feather footed breed, raising them on wire can cause foot problems. Also, I like my chicks being exposed to dirt and droppings in the brooder. It's how they develop a good strong immune system. Some clean is good, too much clean is bad IMHO.

 

[saladin]

Lil'ChickFarm :

What type of wire do you use to raise chicks on? Hardware cloth?
Chicks are more fun then going to the movies.

Wire mesh that will allow the majority of droppings to past thru: 1/4" when small; you can use a little large than that when they are a few weeks old.

I agree with gritsar that wire is not good for heavy breeds. However, they should be out of the brooder by 6 weeks at the latest; thus, no foot problems. Like gritsar, I then put them in growout pens on the ground. I just don't start them out that way. My philosophy is to give the a good start before they get on the dirt.​

 

[bobbieschicks]

Quote:
Chicken nipples fix everything for the watering mess - an empty gatorade bottle with the nipple in the cap screwed onto the frame of the brooder, adjusting height as they grow. Takes about 30 seconds for them to "get it"

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/94749_nipple_bottle.jpg

That's a cool set up - I could see making something like that. What is the metal that holds the bottle upright?

 

[Mahonri]

Ah, Chicken TV. Love it.