The Brooder

Zoe and Kaylee are two weeks old today. I thought I'd celebrate with a few shots of their new feathers. But first I'll tell you a little bit about our brooder setup. The chicks are happy in their temporary home. They will live in the brooder box until they are between six and eight weeks old, depending on the weather.

We bought our brooder box from Seattle Farm Supply. It's 16” x 48” x 16" with a screened top and a lamp bracket. It was part of a package that included a whole bunch of good stuff. If I were to buy it over again, I'd probably spring for the 2 foot wide box. There is enough room now but I think it will be pretty crowded for all four girls at six weeks.

The chicks seem pretty happy in the brooder. The wood shavings take care of any odor. It's also pretty easy to clean. The feeder seems a bit over-sized for two chicks. I don't know if we'll need it quite that long with four. We'll see.

Both chicks have started sprouting feathers all over the place. It's fascinating to watch them change from fuzzy puff balls into beautiful birds. Well, Kaylee is still quite puffy and I think she'll stay that way. Zoe is becoming more sleek. She has developed terrific barred feathers all over her wings. Sometimes they both look like they are covered in dandelion seeds as their down comes off. You can also see their combs beginning to come in.

They are both very sweet. They give soft peeps whenever anyone comes into the room. They love it when we talk to them. Any time I place my hand in the brooder both chicks climb aboard. They enjoy being stroked on their necks and chest and protest loudly if you pet their backs. Although once they've relaxed they'll let me examine their wings and scratch their shoulder blades.

Zoe is bit more people-oriented. She always wants to see what I am doing. She is more cautious than Kaylee though. Kaylee enjoys our company but she it pretty easy-going overall.

I wish I had the skill to take better photos. I suppose turning off the red brooder lamp helps.