Single hen

[beingmaisie]

Hi there,

 

I am hoping to get my first batch of eggs next weekend once hubby has made the incubator. Once they are away we need to start on a brooder.

I have seen several pics of peoples brooders but does anyone have any plans or details for making one. We are doing this on a bit of a budget so pricey bought ones are out of the question.

Hubby had the idea of extending the incubator after hatching so that they have somewhere to eat and drink and then can go back to the incubator for heat but with a much less hot bulb.

What about large clear storage tubs, would they be any good?

Also how big should they be to allow for growth of chicks. We do have a large wooden puppy pen they can go into before they actually go into a hen house so need something as a home between inci and pen.

All suggestions and advice would be gratefully received from you wise folk.

 

Thanks

Gill (impatient of Basildon)

[craftyhunnypie]

Hi, I use a deep plastic storage crate / box for the 1st week or two. They are great as they contain heat well. I put about a 1 inch layer of shavings & a couple of small teddy bears in each corner under the hat lamp end. I suspend my heat lamp from one of hubby's old disco speaker stands, so I can raise & lower it easily. I also use fine knit dishcloths (Aldi) fot them to snuggle into. They will need a chick feeder with chick crumb & a very shallow drinker ( jam jar lid) or shallow dish with pebbles in, to prevent drowning. I also use a digital thermometer. I start at about 35 degrees C & decrease by 1 to 2 degrees each week, until down to about 21 - 22 degres. I make a mesh top over the crate, as they soon learn to fly & flutter. Then switch the lamp off in the day & back on at night. You have to use your judgement. After 2 weeks I put my chicks in a larger indoor guinea pig cage to allow them more room for growth & play. I use an old fashioned farm heat lamp & infra red bulb. I put this on the day before hatch is due. Make sure you also have a spare bulb, as my friend had one blow on plug in!

 

Best of luck.

 

Emma.x

[beingmaisie]

Thank you Emma, very detailed and a big help. I expect we will sort it out as we go along but this is going to be so new to us.

Is it very childish to be this excited when your past 45