do the babies need a brooder?

[xx_sheena_xx]

im going to take baby IRN's from there parents when they are 4 weeks of age. will the babies need a brooder? if so can any1 tell me how to make one?

[ringneck]

Hello xx_sheena_xx,

Yes, the babies will need a brooder. A brooder does not have to be anything elaborate just a simple environment that will keep the chicks warm.

I use a 10 gallon fish tank with a wire topping. On the bottom I use pine shavings then cover with a layer of paper towels. This ensures the chicks do not ingest the shaving and the babies will remain dry.

On the top use a desk lamp that can effectively warm the tank up. It needs to be one with a movable arm and one that can stretch far enough to cover one side of the tank. If you don’t have a desk lamp then I suggest buying a brooder lamp. They are cheap and can be purchased at any pet store. Be sure to experiment with your lighting. If you are in a cold area, an 80 watt light bulb will do—in a warmer area a 60 watt will do. (Make sure the lamp can handle the bulb so you don't burn your house down)

Be CAFEFUL to not overheat the babies. Place the light on one side and make sure the babies can move from one side to the other to cool down. If the babies are panting it’s too hot and you’ll need to move the lamp back further or change the blub. Make sure you keep an eye out as the babies can overheat quickly and die.

Hop this helps !

Best Wishes,

Imran

[xx_sheena_xx]

ok, do i turn the light off at night? and when can i stop using it like at how many weeks?

[ringneck]

I keep the light on during the night. As the babies get older I start to move the lamp back further and further. When the babies are fully feathered you can omit the lamp .

Best Wishes,

Imran