Any pitfalls with using 55gal aquarium for Brooder?

[spowell]

Quote:
That's cool, but my husband just found out that I have 47 happy growing eggs in the bator. The first group go into lockdown this weekend. In order to keep from giving him a heart attack, I probably need to find something really cheap or something I already have. Thanks for the Ideas though.

 

[IRChicken]

1 - 4x8 sheet of plywood, Luan is fine, about $10+. Big box stores will cut for you.
4 - 1'x4' strips and 1 - 4'x4' piece
A few pieces of scrap wood for the legs and bracing.
A porcelain base for the bulb and a bulb.
It's not that big of a deal to build, it is quite easy. If you can turn a screw driver you can build this.
Don't have a screw driver or screws, try PL Adhesive or other non VOC alternative.

Maybe use a lower wattage bulb and invert the fish tank, setting on bricks with the bulb inside.

 

[boogiedog]

Ditto on the guinea pig cage. You might be able to find one on craigslist. Nice plastic bottom that is high enough to keep shavings in, keep peeps warm and EASY to clean. Upper part is caging and it is easy to place the heat lamp above it. Most have two doors - one on the side and one on the top making it very easy to get water and food changed out quickly and easily without a lot of disturbance of the chicks. It was work the investment.

 

[Chickiegirls2]

i used a giant rubber maid...
went great!

 

[ll]

I used a 40gallon "breeder" aquarium (wider than the standard 55gal but the same length) it worked out fine.
Used the screen top with a red bulb on one side of the tank so they could walk to the other side if they needed to cool down:

I kept the water dish on the cooler side of the tank and used a reptile thermometer (has a wire that hangs down into the tank, great placed at their level) to watch the temperature. I got tired of raising the light up & down so then used a regulator for the red bulb - it kept it at a chosen temp (also a reptile item).

 

[spowell]

Thanks for the great Ideas

The last chicks I had this Spring I put in a huge Rubbermaid Tote I had, it was blue. I didn't like not being able to see them without peering down at them like a Hawk. Every time I poked my head over the top they would scatter. Which would be the reason I thought about the aquarium.

**IRChicken thanks for the info. I might have to try something like that with plexiglass in the front, so I can see

I am very good with power tools (like Rainman)

Actually, I have my own shop with all my own tools

I build most of my chicken stuff, my husband helps when he can. Can you post a pic of yours? Thanks again

 

[dwegg]

I use one for the first week..two weeks max as they quickly out grow it and then they move down to the big brooder in the basement...the tank is awesome for the first two weeks to be able to see them constantly. There is enough room for week old chicks but that's about it.

But here is their big brooder...a large dog crate..take the top off , join end to end...lots of room...heat up one end, cool down the other..

 

[spowell]

That's great... Thanks for the pics. I love seeing what other people have though of to use. Gets my brain going

 

[ChicksinFL]

Quote:
I used a rubbermaid tote as well the biggest I could find. I also bought a roll of screen from walmart. I took a utility knife and cut windows on both sides of the of rubbermaid then with gorilla tape I taped the screen over the top of the windows. This gave them more ventilation and I could see in without peering over the top. I also cut most of the top out and taped screen to that as well so it had a top that fit perfect.

 

[sj3364]

I also use an aquarium for a brooder, actually a reptile vivarium. The only difference is that it has sliding doors on the front and an attached screened roof. Worked great, no problems regulating the temp. I also keep the light on one side so the chick have a warm side and cooler side. Then watch their activity to see if they need more or less heat. Huddled under the lamp, too cold, laying in the cool half with wings outstretched, too hot, running around the whole thing, just right. I started out with a heat lamp and moved to a regular light bulb as they got older.