This picture shows the brooding setup that we have got new for this year. I built the brooder bunker (as I call it) inside my shed, which I have sealed and fixed up nicely for this year. You can see in the very top edge of the picture, the brooder "box" that I built (I will have some better pics next time). There are two heat lamps, and a reflective insulation lining along the top of the brooder box. The heat from the lamps gets trapped under the box, but the raised legs allow the chickens to come and go as they please, regulating their body temperature. If they are cold, they can run back under, if too hot, then out. There are 6 or so waterers both under and around the brooder, and as many small trays of food.
These chicks are not the "hardy" breed that I raised before, but I do have a pending order for a Heritage breed called the Buff Orpington. They should be here in about 4 days, and they will join their brothers under the brooder, because, why not?
The brooder box idea allows you to cut down on the amount of heat lamps used, I am only using two because the chicks were huddling when they first arrived, and I didn't want them to get too cold. After a couple days, I will probably turn one of them off during the day to save energy.
We picked up the birds at 8 am, and basically "poured" them from the box into the brooder. After a brief few minutes of huddling, they became more active and comfortable, and seem to be doing fine. My biggest concern was that they might be chilled, because chilled chickens will die, and quickly!
The kids love the birds, and it seems to be a big hit with the family. More to follow!
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