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Is it safe to use a fish tank/plastic storage bin as a brooder?

post #1 of 7
Thread Starter 

Online they said it would be okay to use a plastic storage bin or a fish tank for a brooder, but will it get to hot?  I have a feeling that it will either become to hot and hurt the chicks feet, or start a fire.  Is it safe?

post #2 of 7

I have a book that says to use a fish tank.

"Nobody here but us chickens!  Well, this chicken anyway."  ~ The Doctor

I love fluffy-butt's!  (aka buff orpingtons!)

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"Nobody here but us chickens!  Well, this chicken anyway."  ~ The Doctor

I love fluffy-butt's!  (aka buff orpingtons!)

Reply
post #3 of 7

Im using a fish tank without any issues. Stays constant 85-90 inside.  Not hot or any air flow problems.

post #4 of 7

Up until this year, I have been keeping my chicks in a plastic bin. I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I assume you already know this, but just make sure to put bedding on the bottom of the brooder, then it should not bother their feet.

I've got 2 cats, Dyllen and Star. I have 17 chickens; 3 BLRW, 3 mutts, 2 EEs, 2 White Rock roosters, 1 RIR, 1 White Leghorn, 1 Red Star, 1 Golden Campine, 1 unknown hen, 1 Partridge cochin, and 1  Golden Polish. I also have 1 Swedish/Black Indian Runner with her three ducklings.

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I've got 2 cats, Dyllen and Star. I have 17 chickens; 3 BLRW, 3 mutts, 2 EEs, 2 White Rock roosters, 1 RIR, 1 White Leghorn, 1 Red Star, 1 Golden Campine, 1 unknown hen, 1 Partridge cochin, and 1  Golden Polish. I also have 1 Swedish/Black Indian Runner with her three ducklings.

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post #5 of 7

I too, used a plastic storage tote as a brooder box and was satisfied with the results.  What I liked about it was that I could drill holes in it for modifications.  I used an ecoglow with mine, which the birds loved.  And then used a clip on work light for light to establish a light/dark cycle with the birds.  No issues with too hot or cool either way. They were very comfortable.

post #6 of 7

I am using a 55 gallon rubbermaid tote and it is working great.  I had a 250 watt heat lamp on them for the first 2 weeks and then just had the heat on in the spare room where I have them for now.  During the day I have a section partioned off where they get their exercise and fresh vegys for treats once a day with a bit of gravel on the side.  Mine are about 5 weeks and almost ready to be taken out to their new coop and run.  At night I place them back in their tote and put a screen on it.  They just love using those new wings.  good luck

mom to three adult children,  Two australian cattle dogs, 6 chicks, grandma to two baby girls and two pit bulls.  what a troop!

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mom to three adult children,  Two australian cattle dogs, 6 chicks, grandma to two baby girls and two pit bulls.  what a troop!

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post #7 of 7

I used a rubbermaid tote as well with a red heat lamp worked out great.

 

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