2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[Tweety]

I know I am counting my chickens before they hatch - it is only day 6 in the incy - but I was just wondering what to use for bedding in the brooder. Is Hemcore/Aubiose ok, or should I use wood shavings?

Also, should I feed my chicks a feed containing coccidiostat as sold in the Omlet shop?

And final question for now, is it necessary to put a J cloth in the incy when I stop turning the eggs and remove the dividers? I have got an Octagon 20, and the egg tray has a perforated base - will this be ok or should I put something non-slip on it?

Thanks in advance.

[Jools]

I can't answer the incy question as I only use broodies, but yes Aubiose is fine for chicks and I always use medicated chick crumb.

 

You'd better find something to do for the next 15 days ...... other than watching eggs cook

[Redwing]

The egg tray in the Octagon is perfect for chicks to hatch on so no need for a J cloth

 

Is the brooder indoors?

 

I use J cloths for the first few days and change them daily. after a few days I add a thin layer of wood pellet cat litter on top of the J cloths. This doesnt look very comfy for the chicks but is fine and doesnt go everywhere when they jump around.

 

I always leave the area around the food and drink clear of bedding

 

I buy cheap cloths and dont re-use them after my washing machine clogged up

 

Before I discovered the cloth/cat litter option my house was always covered in a thin layer of Aubiose/woodshavings

 

If yo have a brooder with high plastic sides the potential for mess is reduced

 

I move the chicks to a larger brooder in the shed at about a week old then they can have woodshavings and make as much mess as they like'!

[Tweety]

Thanks for the advice. Jools, I am spending my whole time worrying about the hatching and brooding process, and asking questions on the forum - and wishing I had a broody hen!

[daxigirl]

I was wondering that very same woodchip question so thanks for asking.

 

Mine should be hatching Monday but there's no signs of anything happening yet.

[Tweety]

How exciting daxigirl! And you have a great variety of breeds in your incy. You should be seeing some action soon, so please keep us posted.