3. Adjust the lengths so the strips hang to just above the floor to prevent the chicks from getting tangled in it! (I may have learned that the hard way)

Here's the tractor with the brooder, note the thermostat on the outside let us monitor the temp inside the box. I set it to power on the heat mat at 80°F but even in the 40s the interior temp was above 80. I had the probe inserted into a 4oz. Contanor of water to get a steady temp and to mimic the temp flux of a small bird.

The final box- I shortened the strips some.but basically this is it! She sheltered four batches of chicks, the second batch was about 30 chicks!

4. If the ground isn't dry, you may wish to add a floor... due to the excessive cold, we also added a heat mat.

3. Adjust the lengths so the strips hang to just above the floor to prevent the chicks from getting tangled in it! (I may have learned that the hard way)

2. Poke strips of the blanket through the holes and knot them.

One heavy duty cardboard box with an open side, a synthetic blanket (or wool) you are willing to trash, and, scissors.

1. Poke holes in the roof of the box 1 or 2" apart.

My Brooder-Box pseudo hen to allow me to brood my 3 week old chicks outside in 40°F weather.

The idea is to simulate mama hen's warm feathery protection, and harness the chicks heat to keep them all toasty warm!

All supplies needed are photographed here.

3. Adjust the lengths so the strips hang to just above the floor to prevent the chicks from getting tangled in it! (I may have learned that the hard way)

HonestOmnivore
Jun 21, 2012

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