The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club > Housing, Health & Hatching

Suggestions and pictures for how to build coops/runs

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dixieland:
Busy people either thrive or burn ourselves out completely,lol!
If you are looking for a very easy, not totally ideal anwer to brooding chicks- You can always pick up a galvanized water trough at TSC. They run about $75. I dont like that they are opened at the top, But it might be an easy workaround for you for the time being

vanalpaca:
I have 2 110 gal rubber tanks a. the farmhouse for older broodies. But I want to move chickens out of that house so I can move in a few more months...

I acquired a 50 gal rubbermaid tote that fits into the bathtub until they can be unsupervised for 2 days at a time. I suspect about 2 weeks and they will be ready for the tanks. But chickens in the house make it too dusty with feather dust and spring rains will be here then.

We are all good for the time being. Got in unmedicated feed and have tetracycline for the water.

Day 2 and all are doing ok. ;D

Mike Gilbert:
Why on earth are you medicating the water for baby chicks?   Also, I strongly believe in "medicated" feed.
It is just a low dose of amprolium to allow the chicks to build up a natural immunity to coccidiosis.  It is better to use it at this stage, and much less costly, than having to medicate them later and have unthrifty birds.

Don:
We use a variety of brooders ranging from wood shipping boxes to the black plastic "masonry tubs" from Lowes.  You can fix a 1/4" welded wire cover and fasten a brooder light on top so that the light shines thru the wire.  You want the heat or light towards one end of the brooder so that the chicks can find a temperature that is best for their age, closer to the light if its cold, further away as the day warms up. We can cover portions of the wire top on colder nights.  But it's good for the water and feed to be out in the cooler end.  The chicks need to begin to acclimate to normal temps slowly but consistently.   

Some of the feed in our area includes an additive called Apex, supposedly a low level medication.  But I've gotten used to keeping cocci meds on hand especially when the weather begins to warm.  I watch the birds especially when they are moved to a new brooder or pen and extra careful if I put two different groups together. These are the times they are exposed to the most new bugs.

Beth C:

--- Quote from: Don on March 01, 2013, 09:45:49 AM ---I've gotten used to keeping cocci meds on hand especially when the weather begins to warm.

--- End quote ---

Ditto. In fact, I just go ahead and keep them on a maintenance dose until they are at least 6 months. I've found here in the hot, humid south the medicated feed alone just doesn't do it. I also try to avoid hatching in hot months, although the birds threw me a curve this year - I still only have 2 birds laying! The girl at the feed store said she has heard the same thing from most of her customers this year, so I guess it really is the wacky weather. ???

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