Would this terrarium make a (good) chick brooder?

[rosemarythyme]

I noticed that wonders if caged birds have different calcium requirement?

Back when I had housebirds, because I was a kid, I never questioned it. But I believe they do, hence cuttlebones being a popular cage add-in.

 

[Chickeria]

I noticed that wonders if caged birds have different calcium requirement?


That's fine..... site had a translation function, so it displayed in english.

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2611180

Thank you aart for showing me, I tried already once to add my location but couldn't figure it out, I will try again, seeing a picture always helps a lot

 

[Rooster Giddens]

Hi, I'm planning to hatch chicks.
I plan to lend an incubator from a friend.
So now I'm starting plans for a safe and appropriate brooder.
I do have a selfbuild terrarium from my tortoises when they were babies (long time ago). They now do live outside in an outdoor enclosure or are in their hibernating space since many years now but I kept the terrarium in case someone gets injured or sick or there is need for a quarantine area, which thank God never happened. Several times I thought about selling it, but perhaps I'm lucky now I didn't - looking at the terrarium I thought maybe it could be modificated as a chick brooder and wanted to ask you for your opinions.
(Please notice: the terrarium on the pictures is still set up for tortoises. I would never use the UV-lamp/neon tube for the chicks. I would not use the bedding and the stones and cork barks etc. for the chicks. The whole terrarium would be emptied and cleaned and desinfected thoroughly)

The inner dimensions of the terrarium are:
length: 1 m 37 cm = 54 inches
wide range: 65 cm = 25 inches
height: 70 cm = 27 inches

It is made of coated wood (good to clean and desinfect) and in the front are two big glass panels. Ventilation areas (perforated sheet) are on top and on front (I increased ventilation by leaving both glass panels open for about 0,4 inches if neccessary). I could change one glass panel for a frame with wirefence to have more ventilation for the chicks if this would be better.

I plan to use a brooder plate: https://brinsea.co.uk/bird-breeding-products/brooders/ecoglow-safety-600-chick-brooder/ so this would be the heat source for the chicks.
There is a ceramic bulb holder for a heat lamp on the right side in the terrarium, I could put a moderate light bulb there, perhaps covered with a little lampshade so the light would not be so harsh for them.
First week I plan to use puppy pads, afterwards wood litter or pine shavings.

Please tell me your opinions. Would the terrarium work as a chick brooder? Any advice is much appreciated ❤
View attachment 2504880

View attachment 2505194

View attachment 2505196

View attachment 2505205

View attachment 2505206

I think that it will make an eggcellent brooder! Very spacious, you can even hang a branch for a roost with the chains you have already! Clean it up add your pine shavings accessories and you're ready for your chicks!! Enjoy and keep us posted on their progress!!

 

[Rooster Giddens]

Hi Rooster Giddens, thank you!
At the moment I do have a safety cord for the waterer (after the smallest baby already greeted me from the top of it) at one of the hooks from the chains, but hangig a branch for a roost there is an excellent idea!

The chicks are very active, eat and scratch a lot (they really enjoy the pine shaving bedding):
View attachment 2621912

You've got it set up nicely! Enjoy your babies....

 

[Chickeria]

Thanks all! Chickeria - a good move to the larger cardboard box! If it works use it! As I shared, I've used cardboard boxes too, as long as you have the other essentials.

Thank you Kakaruk, I will update how it works, I hope they will like it.

 

[Cecisflock]

sand, dried mealworms.

For what??

I bought normal grit, but it is very heavy, I think it is only for adults?

They are prob good go ahead and feed it

 

[Chickeria]

You've got it set up nicely! Enjoy your babies....

Thank you