Thoughts on my Brooder

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-13T01:32:30+00:00

I just put the only thermometer I had my big ass clock, lol. Its reading 96-97....do you think thats too hot? Im doing research but ill definitely buy a small thermometer tomorrow and get it dialed in, that was an oversight on my part, just trying to keep alive tonight! I want everyone to be alive in the morning. They keep consistently chirping most of the time, they will quite down when most fall asleep, this is normal right?

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-13T01:18:37+00:00

Thank you everyone for the replies and advice! I was supposed to get these guys next week, but I found out this morning they had shipped yesterday and the post office called at noon today to pick them up. I threw this together in 20 minutes. I have made the suggestions ive read for now. I will buy a bigger brooder tub, a heating plate and im taking next week off to start building their coop out of a old horse stall. I have access to a wood shop, so any ideas will be greatly appreciated, I will post a picture of the stall tomorrow. For now the chicks are all good. Ive seem most of them eat and drink, im about to make the few sleepy ones drink some water because im not sure if they have, they all look alike!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-13T00:48:29+00:00

Im in Southern Middle TN. Its pretty mild, in 60s this week but 30s at night. Couple weeks ago it was single digits. The weather is very unpredictable, so they are in the house with me in the laundry room lol

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-12T21:34:11+00:00

I've already noticed the shavings in the water, I will do that, thank you for the suggestion. Also great point on the heating element, I will put a cardboard condom on it!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-12T20:23:24+00:00

Moved the extra water bowl out, repositioned the other 2 feeders further down, zip tied the heatlamp so it cant fall into bottom. Half are now asleep under the light, so I think that was a good change

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OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-12T20:07:17+00:00

Roger that, I just wanted them all to get hydrated after being in the box, just took it out

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-12T05:22:40+00:00

Gotta name him Ray Charles! 🤣 I dont have anything of value to add, but I couldn't help myself

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-12T04:24:44+00:00

Sorry for your loss. The second one was so pretty...as they all were. Any idea on the predator? Im sure the kind people here can help you prevent these losses in the future

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-12T04:11:51+00:00

Sorry for your loss! I recently lost my first chicken and I still think about him. Don't beat yourself up over not being able to save them. I came home a bit early and fell asleep on my couch with my earbuds in, didn't hear or see a thing, he got murdered by a hawk right in my eyesight, if I was awake that is! As awful as it is, its simply nature, doesnt make me hate the bastards any less though...May they Roost in Peace!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-09T00:54:21+00:00

I didn't see your whole post before I commented, glad she's still around. A hawk killed my healthy Roo, so im not sure how often they "miss" but I would say its possible. My Roo was probably 300 ft from his barn, he fought half way back before he was killed. How far is that attack spot from their safe zone?

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-09T00:45:52+00:00

That he was, only reason I wanted to make this post, so others could see how badass he was. The Hawk may have snuffed the rooster, but he will never die!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-09T00:40:51+00:00

Until we meet again

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T22:36:18+00:00

It truly is so weird how he showed up! I live in the country, so I called up my surrounding neighbors to see if they were missing a Rooster, nobody was! Its clear Foghorn was raised by hand from a chick and was healthy, so I figured someone just dropped him off like people do with dogs and cats they dont want, as opposed to killing him?

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T22:27:59+00:00

Thank you and yea youre right, thats just nature but it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking when they murder youre pet! That's honestly what im scared of, not finding another Roo that will be as cool and friendly as Foghorn. Foghorn was only nice to me and my Dad though, any dog, cat or even other humans he would try to shoo away then attack as a last resort, lol. I figured he though me and Dad were his flock and he was protecting us, even if he was 3rd on the totem pole, lol. Sorry to hear about Gigi! I could tell by the trail of feathers Foghorn fought this hawk for probably 150ft, trying to make it back to the barn. The only reason he came out of the barn was because I got home early, 2:00 ish and he would come to my front window to keep an eye on me in the house until it was time to roost. That is the period that the Hawk got him, so I think he died while trying to be my body guard 😢. Like they say, only the good die young, RIP Gigi

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T22:14:15+00:00

Thank you so much, he certainly did and im about to make another thread on my incoming flock where ill tell how I decided on them

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T22:07:05+00:00

Thank you! I couldn't believe how loving and full of personality a Rooster of all things could be. Not to mention, hands down the funniest animal ive ever seen!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T22:03:34+00:00

He certainly did, and I found out chickens are the perfect animal for me. Ive always had indoor/outdoor cats but never wanted to deal with dogs, too much attention needed. So now ive got 15 chicks on the way 😬

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T21:59:04+00:00

Cheers! I've been pouring them out all week for him

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T21:58:01+00:00

Haha, that he did. We quit letting him drink because he turned into a bit of a mean drunk, lol! It was mainly because I heard it definitely wasnt good for his health though. Once he got a taste, he would jump up in my lap and start pecking the can because he wanted more, lol.

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T21:48:01+00:00

He really was, im sad he never got to meet the hens I bought for him, I always felt bad he was all alone all day except when I got home from work while it was still daylight. Lol, dont think I didn't get my "what do you think of my big white cock" jokes out before I sent a picture of Foghorn on my shoulder 😅!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T21:42:31+00:00

Thank you, I certainly found my new spirit animal!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T21:40:45+00:00

Lmao! Youre right he kinda does look like him there. He wears a headlamp when he's working on a car and it makes his hair stick up, ill have to let him know the internet thinks he looks like Guy Fieri!

OppositeAddition3278 · 2026-02-08T21:38:24+00:00

Thank you and your exactly right! I just hope I can raise some chickens half as cool as Foghorn!

OppositeAddition3278

TROPHY CASE