Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!

[DownyExplorer]

I'm getting 24 hatching eggs at the end of February and need advice on brooding and introducing chicks!
I have a wooden brooder with hardware cloth that my father-in-law built for me,
I'm worried about chicks' feet getting stuck.
Should I stick with a heat lamp or use a brooder plate?

Also, if I end up with a lot of chicks, how can I manage space without breaking the bank?
I’m not very handy and can't afford to build another setup.

Once the chicks outgrow the brooder, when is it safe to introduce them to my 9 hens?
Should I keep the older hens on layer feed and the younger ones on grower feed?

I’m also concerned about predators, so I can’t risk putting them outside without supervision.
Any tips on handling all of this?

Thank you so much!

[RoosterRambler]

Mixed-age flocks do fine on grower feed with oyster shells on the side for layers.

[FlockVoyager]

Hi,

A brooder plate is safer and reduces fire risk.
Chicks' feet might get stuck-consider adding a mat.

[PhoebePeep]

Heat lamp works but can be risky-brooder plate is a safer, more natural option.

[Eggspresso]

Cardboard boxes or playpens work as cheap temporary brooders.
Just line them with bedding.

[HennaHatcher]

Introduce chicks at 6-8 weeks when they're fully feathered, but watch for bullying.

[CluckAndGrow]

Try adding roosting bars in the brooder to give chicks more vertical space.

[FeatheredFriend]

Keep chicks in a secure area until theyre big enough to defend themselves.

[PeckingPioneer]

I'm getting 24 hatching eggs at the end of February and need advice on brooding and introducing chicks!
I have a wooden brooder with hardware cloth that my father-in-law built for me,
I'm worried about chicks' feet getting stuck.
Should I stick with a heat lamp or use a brooder plate?

Also, if I end up with a lot of chicks, how can I manage space without breaking the bank?
I’m not very handy and can't afford to build another setup.

Once the chicks outgrow the brooder, when is it safe to introduce them to my 9 hens?
Should I keep the older hens on layer feed and the younger ones on grower feed?

I’m also concerned about predators, so I can’t risk putting them outside without supervision.
Any tips on handling all of this?

Thank you so much!

Supervised free-range time can help chicks integrate with older hens.

[HatcheryHiker]

If space is tight, a large dog crate makes a great transition brooder.