Why wont anyone help me? added pics!! :)

[wolftracks]

Iheartchicks<3

:

Would a refrigerator box work? Or a water melon box?

I use the watermelon boxes. They work great. I have lately started off with totes, but those boxes are great and I like that they go into the compost and I don't have to scrub them.​

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

What is a tote? Or is that a stupid question? Did you see the pics?

 

[chickened]

If you use a 250 watt lightbulb for heat and cover the top of what ever you use they will stay warm. I live south of Portland Or. and have had chicks all winter outside in a polebarn with a light and in metal and plastic stock tanks.

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

I would use 2 heat lamps and they wouldnt be covered.. they would just be able to run around the stalll....

 

[chickened]

You can try it but watch them and make sure they don't pile on each other under the light. You can lower the light to find the right temperature for the chicks. It is better for them to be too warm with areas to escape the heat than too cold and pile on each other. The other things to think about are rats. It must be relatively predator proof. Think of your set up this way- you are in a room that is very warm, you get too warm you need an exit to cooler conditions then when you start to get cold go back in to the warm room. Make a set up like this and your chicks will do fine. I looked at the pictures and predators probably won't be an issue.

 

[cpegram]

ok here is a pic of my tote brooder

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

Quote:
Mine is predator proof.. unless they are spiderman and can climb walls and go through wire covered windows... It is draft free but has a window for ventilation..

 

[Judy]

You will have to set your brooder up and check the temp, especially the coldest part of the night, to know how it will work. Every situation is different, too many factors involved.

My chicks are raised by broodies outdoors in the coop. They are out and about in barely above freezing weather. The last batch hatched during a cold snap when it went down to 15 for a few nights. Of course they have mama available to get under for warmth -- but after 3 or 4 days they rarely use her during the day, only at night. I never could keep chicks in a brooder anywhere near as warm as they recommend, either, they would get as far away as they could til I got it at least 10 degrees cooler.

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

Ok.. so my plan is to have 2 heat lamps.. low to the ground (3ftish) and a roost next to it... And feed and water 2-3 ft away? does that sound good? The first week or so i will keep them in a tote/box and det it up prior too the chicks.. and check it a few times a night?

 

[chickened]

Just don't let them get too warm while in the tote, if they are all pressed to the sides of the tote they are too warm.