How to Build a Small Chick Brooder
Acquire a container., Put the box in some form of shelter., Put some bedding down., Keep a source of food and water in the box., Acquire a heat lamp.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Acquire a container.
Brooders can be made out of anything such as cardboard/plastic boxes, children's pool, cage, etc.
Your best bet is starting off with a cardboard box or making your own wooden box. -
Step 2: Put the box in some form of shelter.
The brooder will need to be sheltered away from wind, rain, snow and the sun.
The best place to keep a brooder is in a shed, garage or basement.
Keep it out of reach of young children and dangerous pets., The bedding should be soft, absorbent and non-slippery.
A good material to use is hay, straw, wood shavings or paper towels.
Avoid using newspaper as this is a slippery material that can cause leg problems in chicks and isn't absorbent enough. , Acquire a small shallow bowl and fill it up with water.
If the water bowl is a bit deep place some marbles inside which will help avoid chicks drowning and encourages the chicks to drink.
You can purchase a chick feeder or drinker which is better.
Always keep chicks on a chick starter feed., Chicks require heat for the first few weeks when they are born.
You can purchase a bulb that keeps a high temperature but with a heat lamp you can choose the temperature yourself.
Be sure the temperature is at 95 degrees and lower it by 5 degrees every week until it reaches room temperature. -
Step 3: Put some bedding down.
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Step 4: Keep a source of food and water in the box.
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Step 5: Acquire a heat lamp.
Detailed Guide
Brooders can be made out of anything such as cardboard/plastic boxes, children's pool, cage, etc.
Your best bet is starting off with a cardboard box or making your own wooden box.
The brooder will need to be sheltered away from wind, rain, snow and the sun.
The best place to keep a brooder is in a shed, garage or basement.
Keep it out of reach of young children and dangerous pets., The bedding should be soft, absorbent and non-slippery.
A good material to use is hay, straw, wood shavings or paper towels.
Avoid using newspaper as this is a slippery material that can cause leg problems in chicks and isn't absorbent enough. , Acquire a small shallow bowl and fill it up with water.
If the water bowl is a bit deep place some marbles inside which will help avoid chicks drowning and encourages the chicks to drink.
You can purchase a chick feeder or drinker which is better.
Always keep chicks on a chick starter feed., Chicks require heat for the first few weeks when they are born.
You can purchase a bulb that keeps a high temperature but with a heat lamp you can choose the temperature yourself.
Be sure the temperature is at 95 degrees and lower it by 5 degrees every week until it reaches room temperature.
About the Author
Ashley Phillips
A seasoned expert in lifestyle and practical guides, Ashley Phillips combines 4 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Ashley's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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