Can I use a 55 gallon aquarium as a brooder?

[Guest]

I am new here and just preparing to start a flock.  I read a post here that warned about rubbermaid containers and 250watt lights, so I am looking for another option.

[Guest]

Hi Marcuscarr,

I have a few aquariums that I use all the time for brooding chicks. Never had any problems. I use a wire top to keep the chicks from jumping out as they grow. Just make sure there aren\'t too many chicks for the size aquarium you use. You don\'t want to crowd them.

HTH

Donna

[Guest]

Excellent, thank you for your response.

Marcus

[Guest]

the problem with the container vs the light is temprature, you don;t want to cook them
you have to use a thermomiter to figure out just what light you need
if you do use a containter like an aquarium or even a rubbermaid tub, you can get possibly by with a 40 wat bulb, those 250 watt bulbs are designed for a large space. we use wire dog crated with cardboard as draft sheilds, and a 60 watt bulb does fine in ther.
day old chicks should be between 95-100, (we kep ours cooler, about 90), and temp should be decreased 5 degrees each week until te are at 70.