I've used large dog crates before. I take them apart, put them front to front upside down and duct tape the seam so little toes don't get stuck. Then all you need is wire mesh of some sort to keep them from flying out. As long as you don't have too many chicks, it's good for about 5 weeks.
I've seen people here use kiddie pools (again, you need to rig something to keep them from jumping out), portable cribs, huge cardboard boxes (just don't put the lamp close to the side), plastic totes. Just make sure that you double secure the heat lamp. I use a chain to secure it, then put about 3 or 4 zip ties to further anchor it. In case one method fails, I have a back up.
I've seen people here use kiddie pools (again, you need to rig something to keep them from jumping out), portable cribs, huge cardboard boxes (just don't put the lamp close to the side), plastic totes. Just make sure that you double secure the heat lamp. I use a chain to secure it, then put about 3 or 4 zip ties to further anchor it. In case one method fails, I have a back up.
