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Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 9:17 am
by 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!
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 9:52 am
by RoosterRambler
Mixed-age flocks do fine on grower feed with oyster shells on the side for layers.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 9:52 am
by FlockVoyager
Hi,
A brooder plate is safer and reduces fire risk.
Chicks' feet might get stuck-consider adding a mat.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 12:17 pm
by PhoebePeep
Heat lamp works but can be risky-brooder plate is a safer, more natural option.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 4:30 pm
by Eggspresso
Cardboard boxes or playpens work as cheap temporary brooders.
Just line them with bedding.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2025 7:21 pm
by HennaHatcher
Introduce chicks at 6-8 weeks when they're fully feathered, but watch for bullying.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 2:53 pm
by CluckAndGrow
Try adding roosting bars in the brooder to give chicks more vertical space.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 2:36 pm
by FeatheredFriend
Keep chicks in a secure area until theyre big enough to defend themselves.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 7:34 pm
by PeckingPioneer
DownyExplorer wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2025 9:17 am
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.
Re: Need Help with Brooding, Feeding, and Introducing Chicks to My Flock!
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2025 7:52 pm
by HatcheryHiker
If space is tight, a large dog crate makes a great transition brooder.