Getting Ready for "Babies" (pictures)

[dalthauser]

This is a repost because I'd posted the previous one "private" by mistake.

Here is the outdoor brooder Marcel and I made yesterday in preparation for the new flock.  It looks a little bit like an emergency HAZMAT facility in miniature - don't you think?  It's pieced together, but we're proud that - aside from the new feed dish - all was done with what we had on hand. (including the heat lamp hood which came from aluminum foil....hehe).

The important thing is that it works...... ;-)

Comments

[madamealexis.livejournal.com]

Are the chickens laying eggs in there?

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

No, this is the house for the new chicks to live in until they have enough feathers to be outside. :)

[rhodielady-47.livejournal.com]

UH-OH!
You really really need a protective wire mesh around your brooder house because the first predator that comes along is going to have fun killing your cute little chicks.
It could be a wandering cat or dog, a crow, hawk or owl, a coon or possum, or even just a large rat. (Dare I mention the neighborhood kids who "just want to play with them" but don't realize how fragile a baby chick is?)
Best of luck.
:|

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

Yep, you can't see it in the picture, but the brooder is covered almost fully with chicken wire (we put the plastic over that to keep the drafts out). The only opening is in front were we close it up with a plywood door held in place by cinder blocks. No kiddies in our yard - fully fenced in by chain link. :-)

[rhodielady-47.livejournal.com]

"but the brooder is covered almost fully with chicken wire..."
Woo hooo, it's a relief to find that out!!!
I so didn't want you to have a bad experience from this.
:}

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

Looks like a cool set-up! (Or is that warm?)

I like the feeder I saw in your next post :)

I also agree that chick gotten in autumn should lay the next spring. It was too long to wait for more of your other breed (though I think they are cooler and prettier).