A less messy brooder?

[Knighstar679]

After reading some post here and watching some YouTube videos I decided to put together my brooding box for my ducklings. I know they are at least 18 days away but I like to be prepared than not. Plus this allows me to get feed back before I have ducklings in it.

It is a 40 gallon commander tote (Lowe’s 19.99).
A metal paint pan (Walmart $3)
Grate to go in it $2
Basic one qt feeder$7
Small sandwich takeaway from the dollar store.
Plus soft wood shavings I can get from work.

Thoughts on it? I was trying to make it as easy to keep clean as possible.

 

[Jpat]

How many ducklings? my 4 would demolish my brooder in an afternoon

I came to the conclusion that they enjoy it damp and gross as much as they liked it dry. changed the hay everyday and they liked it dry too but theyd destroy it as fast as they could

 

[Knighstar679]

How many ducklings? my 4 would demolish my brooder in am afternoon

I came to the conclusion that they enjoy want it damp and gross. I changed the hay everyday and they liked it dry too but theyd destroy it as fast as they could

I don't know yet they are all still in eggs. I have multiple totes to set up if need be. But I am not sure how my hatch rate is going to fall as this is my first time incubating. But I am super excited.

 

[Jpat]

Aha they are so much fun. My new pekins are almost adults now and i wish i could go back when they were 10 days old

 

[Jpat]

I should mention that i realy like your brooder, What do you have for heat? Also how many eggs and what kind

 

[Knighstar679]

Aha they are so much fun. My new pekins are almost adults now and i wish i could go back when they were 10 days old

I have been wanting ducks for about a year and a half now. Never thought I would hatch them myself. Super glad i got my new place and I can actually have ducks enmass. Meaning I can maybe get eggs and all that fun stuff from them. ^_^

 

[Knighstar679]

I should mention that i realy like your brooder, What do you have for heat? Also how many eggs and what kind

I have a heat lamp going to use cermanic bulbs, and I am looking at Welsh Harlequins, and if I can get them to grow maybe some Cayugas.

But I am down to 13 eggs out of the 33 I set 10 days ago.

 

[Jpat]

Ah so exciting!

 

[Michael P]

I use 1/2" wire on the bottom of the brooder with a tray of cat litter under that. It REALLY helps with the mess, and is easy to clean. When the ducklings are under a week old, I spread an old towel over the wire so they have something soft and warm to rest on.

 

[Soon2BChixMom]

Once the ducklings come, you will see how messy they are. Luckily, they will be hatching in the warmer months, so they probably won't need the brooder as much or for long.