Where to keep new chicks?

[lakeontariochicks]

I can't seem to find the answer to this anywhere, but I am new, so if it's been posted somewhere else, please just point me there!

Where I can keep my new chicks when I first bring them home? In my kitchen? Garage? I have an unheated storage room attached to my kitchen, in there?

If in the kitchen, how long do they have to stay in there? I'm not really thrilled about having them in there, it's a frequently used room, especially by my 2 dogs! Most of the other rooms are carpeted, so I am reluctant to use those.

Just wondered with a good heat lamp, if the unheated room would be okay for them. It is partly insulated, warmer than outside, but can still get cold.
Thanks for any help!

 

[chicmom]

Hello.

As long as that room isn't drafty, the heat lamp should keep them warm, so the unheated room off the kitchen is probably fine. Alot of people brood chicks in the garage. Just make sure your heat lamp is working well, with a fresh bulb, and that no predators can get to the chicks.

Sharon

 

[newchicksnducks]

Draft free location anywhere is fine...just make sure the temperature at chick level in the brooder is the appropriate temperature for the age of your chicks. I actually used 2 lamps with my last group of chicks, as I had a malfunction with the one and the peeps were without a lamp for an hour or so. If they are not in an area where you will check regularly, it could get pretty cold for your little ones if your heat lamp quits.

Little chicks DO make a lot of dust, so I don't think I'd be too happy to have them in my kitchen for more than a day or so. Good luck!!

 

[lakeontariochicks]

Thank you!
Since the attached shed(in the old days was the summer kitchen, cistern and woodshed!) is right off the kitchen, and a fascinating room, if a little cold, I'm sure I will be spending lots of time watching "chick-tv"!!!

 

[janetk]

I've kept them in our basement and in my sons room (he was at college). i used heat lamps of course. I used cardboard for a draft shield set in a childs swimming pool. that way I didn't have to worry about messes on the floor. Once the chicks start jumping though, they had to be moved to something with taller sides. they are fun to watch grow.

 

[ranchhand]

Anywhere you don't mind major amounts of fine, white, powdery dust. They really spread it around!