Used the biggest bin at Lowes, and cut the middle section out of the lid. Secured hardware cloth over that area with washers, bolts and caps on the underside. Made a few holes on each side and slid a couple dowels through for practice perches. Once they had the hang of it I pulled out the lower one. Had problems with the nipple waterers leaking so I filled a peanut butter jar lid with smooth river stones and put that under it, which worked out really well until they got a little bigger and messier. Then switched to a more traditional waterer and just elevated it above poo level with a wire platform. Aspen shavings ended up being the best bedding. Love how great this brooder turned out and am storing it in the garage for later reuse. Five chicks fit comfortably, even for a couple of extra weeks when the coop delivery ran a little behind.
Total cost was around $60.
