What to have in a brooder

[7L Farm]

I brood mine in their coop

 

[aoxa]

A common mistake is to try to heat the while brooder. Only heat a small area for them to warm up in. May not need it during the day depending on where you keep them this time of year. Keep their warm area about 95 degrees for the first week dropping it about 5-7 degrees per week. The ECOGlow is an excellent option to a heat lamp and won't cause a fire because it fell in the bedding. Kind of expensive if you don't plan on raising more though. Make sure your lamp is securely mounted and height adjustable.

Yes for sure! I only had two in the one I pictured above because it was in the barn, in April.. Which hits freezing rather quickly.

Overheating is more dangerous than underheating. They usually need less than some people say. Mine do not like anything above 87 as day olds. They pant and move away.

 

[chickencoop789]

I did give my set LIfe Lytes -- it also comes as Chick Lytes-- its a powder sort of like instant Gatorade-- you can get it at your feed store or Tractor Supply.... They seemed to really thrive the gand I did not lose any out of 15 (so far - they will be 3 weeks old on Tues)-- also I did put tree branches in their brooder box for them to play on/ they love them....

Its not something like gatorade. It looks like green goop. I am giving them the vitamin and electrolyte water. Do I need the goop too?


So far Ive learned to put some sugar in the water after I receive them in the mail. Put "chick Gatorade" in their water but not every day. And to put apple cider vinegar in the water every couple of days. Correct?

 

[RonC]

From what I understand the green goop is used for shipping them, nutrition and water combined in a shippable form. The ACV can be added to their normal water. DO NOT put ACV in a metal water continer. It will react with the plating and poison you birds. It will also help keep the water free from algae. The electrolytes only need to be given for a short while to give them a boost from the shipping trauma. Occasionally in hot weather might be good too but not as a regular thing.

 

[CAjerseychick]

Its not something like gatorade. It looks like green goop. I am giving them the vitamin and electrolyte water. Do I need the goop too?


So far Ive learned to put some sugar in the water after I receive them in the mail. Put "chick Gatorade" in their water but not every day. And to put apple cider vinegar in the water every couple of days. Correct?

No, sorry I was describing the electrolytes, it IS different from the Goop-- if you give them the electrolytes and they take to the feed right away-- no need for the Goop...
Have never used the vinegar but it cant hurt....

 

[chickencoop789]

Thanks guys! Thanks to the info, my chicks will have a great start.