- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks for sharing your set up. I like the thermometer idea to make sure the brooder is working.I like outdoor brooding and I've been putting chicks outside from day 1 for a few years now. Fingers crossed, I haven't had any issues.
I converted an old rabbit hutch into the brooder -- insulated on the top and three sides and placed it in a sheltered area in the chicken run. I use a heating plate, and in really cold weather, I put a sweeter heater along one side. I've had chicks out there in below freezing temperature. I've found that they feather up and harden off really fast.
As far as keeping them off the plate, I put a piece of plastic shelf liner on top, with a rock holding it down. I also hang one a remote temperature gauge inside the brooder (just inside the brooder, not under the heat plate) and another outside that I can check from my living room. As long as the inside temperature reads at least 8 -12 degrees warmer than the outside sensor, I know the heat is working.
View attachment 3362238
View attachment 3362239