Chook Me!

homemade incubator for chicks?

Public Comments

1. You can create a box type with bulb light incubator for chicks. Don't forget to install a water system too.
2. We always used a large cardboard box. A couple of old dish clothes in the bottom of the box. Use a mechanic electric light. (I don't know the right name, but they are attached to an extension cord.) That way you can hang it at the top of the box to give the chicks warmth. We normally placed a large sheet over the box to keep the warmth in. You would still need to keep them inside. I think it is way to cold to even keep them in the barn or garage right now. Make sure you have water for them as well. Go to your local feed store they should have a watering system for you.
3. Though not safe, we used to incubate chicks in the kitchen oven. Set the temp at 150 degrees and leave the oven door slightly cracked open. If the door closes, well, guess what's for breakfast!
4. You need a homemade brooder pen not an incubator..The incubator is for hatching the eggs..not raising the chicks..The brooder pen is where you put the chicks after they hatch..here is a link on some pens/brooder pens etcetera and info on what to do with the chicks the first few weeks http://www.rosecomb.com/random/coops/coops3.html http://www.ssrsi.org/sr1/Farm/coops.htm http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/category/brooders_and_breeding_pens.html
5. You can make a simple brooder with an old wash tub or even a five gallon bucket, depending on how many chicks you want to brood. Either cut a hole in the center of the bottom for a 75 watt light bulb on an extension cord or fasten the light and cord on the inside with wire hangers. Turn the tub upside down on some bricks or blocks so the chickens can go in and out. Plug in the light and put a thermometer on the bedding under the brooder. You can raise and lower the tub to get the desired temp., which should be about 95 f. the first week and reduced five degrees each week after.