Deep litter in the brooder box?

[TLove99]

Hubby and I made this box for the chicks this weekend.

They are only residing in part of it until They get bigger. We Will extend the space as they grow. It takes a lot of bedding to cover this area. I was wondering if doing a deep litter method would work in a brooder box? Will it save on bedding? Will it actually keep the smell down? When they were in the tote box I had them in before I was pretty much changing the bedding every day to keep it clean. I was hoping to save some money on bedding with the bigger enclosure. Thanks!

 

[SJchickens]

It works for me, and stops the stench a bit. I still have to clean the brooder once a week.

 

[TLove99]

Thanks. Another thing I noticed today: they are laying around with their wings out it to the sides, like holding them away from their bodies. Some are in groups of two-three and some are alone. It's about 85 deg in There. They are just over two weeks old. Could they be getting too hot?

 

[SJchickens]

Thanks. Another thing I noticed today: they are laying around with their wings out it to the sides, like holding them away from their bodies. Some are in groups of two-three and some are alone. It's about 85 deg in There. They are just over two weeks old. Could they be getting too hot?

Mine do that. I believe it's just sunbathing. When mine are too hot they start panting or stay away from the heat lamp.

You could raise it up a bit if you're really concerned, but at 2 weeks 85 should be about right.