How high can 2 w/ old chicks jump/fly???

[amelia123]

Hi Everyone!!

My Barred Rocks are 2 weeks old and I have them in a brooder that I think might not be tall enough.

I am going to start building a new one, however, I'm not sure how tall I should make it. I (obviously) don't want it too short so that they can jump out, but I don't want it to be so tall that I won't be able to reach in to change food/water and be able to pick them up. AND If I have wire mesh covering their brooder, I won't be able to reach in. Any ideas/tips/suggestions??? Thanks you so much!!!

 

[PapaChaz]

do a mesh wire lid and put hinges on one side so you can raise it when you need to get in.

 

[Rowsdower]

Without some sort of lid, you're going to have to make it so tall that you cannot easily reach in.

 

[azygous]

Absolutely. As soon as baby chicks get wings, they sure do use them! You're apt to find chicks perched around the house where you aren't expecting to see any. You wouldn't be the first.

Due to their light bodies, it doesn't take much in the way of wing development to achieve lift-off!

 

[amelia123]

Absolutely. As soon as baby chicks get wings, they sure do use them! You're apt to find chicks perched around the house where you aren't expecting to see any. You wouldn't be the first.

Due to their light bodies, it doesn't take much in the way of wing development to achieve lift-off!

Will they die if they get out?? We don't have a cat, and I doubt our dog would do anything to the, because she thinks that they're her babies, lol, but will they die if they're not under the heat lamp??

 

[amelia123]

do a mesh wire lid and put hinges on one side so you can raise it when you need to get in.

Okay!! That's a good idea thanks!!!

 

[Rowsdower]

Will they die if they get out?? We don't have a cat, and I doubt our dog would do anything to the, because she thinks that they're her babies, lol, but will they die if they're not under the heat lamp??

Not if only out for a few hours and so long as the area where your brooder is located isn't too cold (I'm assuming it is in your house). They are able to thermo-regulate to some extent at this age.

 

[vehve]

Depending on how many chicks you've got, I recommend getting a rabbit cage, one with a solid plastic bottom and a wire top. I kept 4 chicks in a 2x4 foot cage for about 5-6 weeks until they moved into their coop. It was a bit cramped by the end, but it worked pretty well. Picking one up used via craigslist is probably a lot cheaper than buying materials for a homemade brooder, unless you already have all the materials. But like stated, you're going to need some sort of lid.

 

[amelia123]

Not if only out for a few hours and so long as the area where your brooder is located isn't too cold (I'm assuming it is in your house). They are able to thermo-regulate to some extent at this age.

Yes, the brooder is in my house. Thanks!!!

 

[amelia123]

Depending on how many chicks you've got, I recommend getting a rabbit cage, one with a solid plastic bottom and a wire top. I kept 4 chicks in a 2x4 foot cage for about 5-6 weeks until they moved into their coop. It was a bit cramped by the end, but it worked pretty well. Picking one up used via craigslist is probably a lot cheaper than buying materials for a homemade brooder, unless you already have all the materials. But like stated, you're going to need some sort of lid.

Hmmm......A rabbit cage. Good idea!! Should it have wire mesh flooring?? And I have 8 chicks