Small Success

My small success for today was to finally get the next ‘pen’ set up for the chicks.  They’ve been too big for the box & metal water tank brooders for at least 5 days, but there just hadn’t been time to get them moved.  Thankfully, Louis took a nap this morning and I was able to build the pen and move the chicks to their new home.

Old Brooders

Their first pen, was just the metal water tank, then at about 2 weeks, they were split into two groups.  The above photo was taken right before  moving the chicks to their new, larger pen.

New Pen/Brooder – Before and After Chicks!

This new pen is set up in my hubby’s garage stall.  Plastic garbage bags on the cement floor, next is a newspaper layer, followed by a 2” layer of sawdust.  I switched to the gallon sized waterer and was able to hang their feeder.  I anticipate less food waste and that the water will stay cleaner longer.  As the chicks have grown, their love of scratching around has grown as well!  It creates a lot of dust and mess.

Another taller piece of cardboard was added around the perimeter for good measure.  The last few times I’ve driven away, I’ve been worried about coming home to a garage full of chicks running and roosting on whatever they can reach!

By the way, I continue to be AMAZED at how fast these birds grow!  Lots of feathers coming in all over, combs starting to develop, feet are bigger, and they’re starting to fly a bit - not out of the pen, yet, thank goodness.  It sure is fun to see the black and white color patterns developing.