What would be the best set up for chicks?

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Lalegid

Lalegid

Chirping
5 Years
Oct 26, 2014
222
13
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So I have chicks due to hatch at the weekend, I'm now thinking about setting up their wee home. I have a heat lamp arriving tomorrow, it's one with a cage and has a red bulb. What is the best type of enclosure or box to be using? Initially I will have 6 chicks (hopefully!), with more due to hatch over the next couple of weeks (quail too). Thanks :)
 
There are many possible enclosures to keep chicks in. All have certain advantages, and disadvantages:

Cardboard boxes: Pros: Inexpensive, tall walls keep drafts out, disposable, bottom isn't very slippery. Cons: slight fire hazard, bottom may be destroyed by chicks or soaked by spilled water.

Wooden boxes: Pros: durable, warm, easy to make, non-slippery floor. Cons: hard to disinfect, heavy.

Plastic tubs with holes drilled for ventilation: Pros: Inexpensive, easy to clean/disinfect, lightweight, durable. Cons: slippery floor, needs a wire top and plenty of ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.

I've used the plastic tubs for brooders before, and they have worked well. Whatever brooder you choose, make sure it has high enough walls to prevent escape, or a wire cover, and put a thick layer of bedding in it. Pay attention to the location of the heat lamp, too--you don't want to accidentally start a fire.
 
It's the fire hazard that concerns me with cardboard, will have to think about it. Thanks :)
 
I am using aged cedar planters (aged as in outside for last 6 months) for my brooder. They are 48"x30" each, and I can stack them 3 high and it gives me 24 inches in height. They don't have floors, and these will be in the garage. I am planning on just putting the shavings down on the concrete. Any issue with doing that? Or do I need to come up with a better floor? Shavings will be a couple of inches deep.
 
Actually use a old bathtub with tape over the drain. The sides are tall enough until they go outside. I put newspaper with pine chips, for rodents, over The newspaper.
when I have ducks I have a homemade waterer, milk jug with holes just big enough to get there head in and drink without making a mess. Clean up is easy :D the light is attached to the nobs.
 
In the summer months in Florida are pretty hot so they go out pretty early. For the ducks I hatch they are not able to get on the side. The sides are round and don't have any point so the chickens, at a certain age, and the ducks can't get out easily when young.
 
I used a large dog crate with cardboard cut to block the bottom foot or so of the walls and door to keep shavings in and keep the chicks in while they're small enough to squeeze out. Works perfect. Sticks can be slid through the bars to make roosts and there's no way they can fly out since it's caged in completely
 
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