Birthday Brooder Shopping

[AnimalGeek23]

So, I’m getting ready for chicks(Buff Orpingtons), and since today is my birthday, I wanted to do something fun.
So I went shopping for brooder materials. That’s how much I love chickens.
Anyways, I just wanted to ask a few questions about the brooder. Would a cardboard 18 inches - 24 inches enough for their first weeks? I was going to get one, but a huge delivery came today and I wondered if that size was enough. Looks big.
Also... I was going to make my own waterer and feeder for my chicks, is plastic ok? I have an idea that has to do with cutting plastic bottles, but do you guys think it’s to dangerous for the chicks to cut themselves? Just wondering!
Thanks for all the support you guys gave me and I hope y’all had a happy 4th!!

 

[Cyprus]

Happy birthday!!!
Cardboard should be fine. The plastic is fine, just dull the edges.

 

[jreardon1918]

They get big quick. Good luck and happy birthday.

 

[jthornton]

What I learned about brooders is have a side entry when you clean up and add water and food make sure your on their level and not entering from the top. Chickens are hard wired to run from movement above them.

JT

 

[rosemarythyme]

How many chicks are you planning on getting and how long will they have to stay in that box? Also plan on making some sort of cover so they don't hop out. Keep in mind chicks grow fast so I hope you've started working on your coop already.