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[williamspencer98]

 

It's a corrugated black plastic ring with an EcoGlow brooder, and specialised chick feeder and drinker. The diameter is 70cm. Will this be big enough? I have 6 eggs in the incubator, and I'm not sure how many will hatch. So for maximum, would it be big enough for 6 chicks?

 

Thanks ,Will

[surf_space]

I think it will be big enough to begin with, just make the circle bigger as they get older. Also it might be an idea to put some marbles in the base of the chick drinker, this is so the chicks don't drown in the first few days, they will still be able to drink. Good luck

[Egluntyne]

I agree, it will be fine for the first week or so and then will need to be at least twice as big.

 

Also, you will need to put a cover such as some netting securely over the top, to foil escape bids.

[williamspencer98]

Thanks for replying, i will bear that in mind, will the chick be ok in a humid cellar? I have the under-stair cupboard which I will use but I cannot fit the ring in any bigger than approx 70cm so will a cellar be ok because that was my 2nd option? also i have read that sawdust can get splayed legs for the chicks, what can i use as a base material? or is sawdust ok? ive but a sheet of thin roll of something i dont know what its called!

 

thanks again for the help, much appreciated.

 

will

[sjp]

I use J cloths for the first couple of weeks then put them on wood shavings about 50 mm deep

as for were to keep them it needs to have natural light really and to be draught free is possible, dry and not to cold but not over warm I think it's about 10 degrees C minimum

[surf_space]

I use heavy duty kitchen roll for the first week (however, you will need to replace it at least once a day) then I move onto wood shavings. I have also been experimenting with straw when they are a bit older. I have found this doesn't get into the food and water like the wood shavings do, so needs a lot less time replenishing the water.

[Tweety]

I used a J cloth for the first week or so. I wouldn't keep them in an under stairs cupboard or a humid cellar I'm afraid - I think they need natural light and conditions as far as possible.

They grow very quickly, so you will need to have some bigger accommodation ready for them quite soon too, although your set up will be fine for a week or two depending on the number of chicks.

[sparkysmum]

I'm sorry Will but neither an under stair cupboard or humid below ground cellar are suitable places to raise chicks. Is it not possible to use a room in the house - your room, utility room, a conservatory if your folks have one. I hope you get it all sorted before your chicks hatch. Good luck. Alli

[Lewis]

That looks like a good set up to me!

I think a cellar may have been ok in the Summer but its really cold at the moment and it looks like they're on a stone floor. An electric hen doesn't give out as much heat as a heat lamp either so won't heat up their surroundings.

 

If you can get one, an indoor rabbit cage is a great brooder and you can use your electric hen and drinkers in there. I use J cloths for the first week, change them every couple of days so its really clean, and then I use shavings.

 

Good luck!