What's in a brooder?

[werttyy]

Should I install some toys/ things that the chicks can climb on? When should I install a roost? They are all less than 2 weeks old. Should I get something for them to cuddle with? Like what? And wouldn't that get dirty? Thanks.

 

[Caliphe]

I have two roosts in my brooder. I waited until they were about a week and a half to put them in, and the chicks loved it. But then I brought some one day olds in and integrated them in with the one week olds and they loved it just as much! So I think it's safe to say that you can put roosts in at any time.

 

[Tikkijane]

We put our roost (a branch) low to the ground so they could hop, and they already started yesterday; more so today, and we just got them yesterday. I would put it in right away and let them have at it, so long as when they fall off, they don't have far to go.

Tikki

 

[koakritters]

my 2 week olds are jumping/flying out of theirs, so yours would probably enjoy a perch by now!!! mine have 3 perches and that's still not enough. they are hopping back and forth between them all chasing each other right now.

they also have a little bird toy for parakeets that's a mirror with a bell hanging from it... the bell goes off ALL night, not sure if i'd recommend that to anyone, but they do love it.

 

[Celtic Chick]

I think I read anytime after a week old is safe for a perch. And they will cuddle with each other, and use each other for toys, too.

 

[miraclz5]

When we brought them home (a couple days old from a breeder) we put a couple of small boxes (like Girl Scout cookie boxes, LOL) and we have kept a few in and then added a few branches, paper towel rolls...they have enjoyed them all.

 

[SeaisforChicken]

I added 1/2 a paper towel roll to our 1 week olds yesterday. they follow each other down and across it. I added driftwood pieces today and they're hopping them like hurdles! I say experiment with whatever you have and watch the fun! They look like they're daring each other to top their stunts

 

[hispoptart]

Mine have a small roost to sit on, and they totally love chasing the red laser light LOL

 

[koakritters]

Quote:
i gave mine a full paper towel roll. the had a blast making it move around and around... it came out as soon as the first one climbed up in it and got stuck, i could only see feet sticking out!!! ...bantams....

 

[SeaisforChicken]

Quote:
i gave mine a full paper towel roll. the had a blast making it move around and around... it came out as soon as the first one climbed up in it and got stuck, i could only see feet sticking out!!! ...bantams....

Haha! Too funny!!

It started as a whole paper towel roll, but I have very naughty BR's that have been intentionally steam rolling the rest of the flock.

"Oh! Everyone is sleeping? Wonderful! I'm just going to ride this over your heads."
bumbpbumpbumb

CHEEP CHEEP CHEEEEEEP

"MOOOOOOOM!!"

...All...Night. This morning, I chopped off the bottom.