big brooder suggestions

[MelodyGraulich]

I have six 4-week-old chicks who are outgrowing the large cardboard carton I've been keeping them in. Too cold for them to go into the coop anytime soon. And five cats. Does anyone have any ideas about EASY ways to construct an indoor brooder that woulc be catproof? We probably wouldn't be re-using it so just want something simple and impermanent. Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

At 4 weeks old and indoors they probably don't need supplemental heat. I'd suggest a big box from an appliance, say a refrigerator or freezer, maybe a washing machine. You can try local appliance stores to see if they have boxes available. Or tape two or three boxes together. Make a top out of screen or wire in a frame that sets over the box.

 

[triggfamily5]

And I thought I was the only one in a spot where my 4 week olds couldn't go outside yet b/c of temp....

Mine would be outside if I had their teenage coop built (with a light) but the cold wind and the snow/rain hasn't let me get the floor and sides up... we only have the frame work done...

If the coop is draft free, why can't they go there and run the heat lamp out there? That's what I am going to do when I get it built. Mine can't go in the other coop b/c they are too little to mingle with the big chickens, and the goslings are in the grow-out lean-to next to the big coop.

I do feel for you though, I have 41 chicks, 1 wk to 6 wks on my porch in a cardboard brooder box... (futon boxes cut and duck taped together, along with other boxes duck taped on)