Expanding Quarters

Backyard Poultry

Expanding the Brooder

Feathers were not the only thing growing on the new chicks. In three days they seemed to have nearly doubled their size at arrival, and doubled their needs as well. They soon graduated from little quart-size waterers to the large one-gallon water fountain. The feeder had to be refilled every other day now with chick starter crumbles, and wood shavings refreshed nearly every day. But most importantly, I was already able to expand the brooder guard (ie that piece of cardboard you see in the background) to allow the chicks more room. Not only did they need more space to run and peck in, but they were just a little less dependent on warmth from the light and thus could be allowed further away. More space also allowed the timid chicks to get even further when threatening human hands appeared overhead.