I'm not what you'd call an old hand at this but I thought I'd share what works for me. I deliver groceries to grocery stores and I'm in different stores all the time. One of the things they have a hard time dealing with are the large bins that hold potatoes, apples, watermelons, and other types of produce through the year. They don't want them in the garbage but they won't fit in the cardboard bailer unless they are cut up into much smaller pieces. If I see one alone and need it I have never been turned down when I ask if I can have it. These bins are made of double thick cardboard and 48"LX40"W and 2 1/2' tall. When I get them home I put wood chips in them and they make perfect brooder boxes. Try asking your local market manager and see if they'll let you have some of theirs.
That's a great idea. Not planning on raising anymore chicks, but will keep it in mind if friends do. Imp
Wow! This would have been good to know 11 days ago. lol! I'm going to need a bigger space for the layers in a week....I think I'll venture into the grocery store! Thanks!
The only real drawback I've found is that when they are really little they can run to the back side and you can't reach them. Mine that I have now were hatched on the 24th. I'm thinking of getting a small fish net tomorrow and putting a long handle on it.
That is SUCH an awesome idea! I have 11 chicks in the largest Rubbermaid tote I have seen, but they will be huge before they'll get outside in the coop. It's still too cold here, so I have to keep them in til they're about 8 weeks old. Thanks for the tip, I'll hunt around tomorrow. Hey, the fishnet thing cracked me up! lol
Flo Fred I went to Store a little while ago and looked at those Boxes.I Have to agree that's a great idea.As far as catching chicks partition off a section when there small then remove later.Fish net works Great .I got to get mine out for them Bobwhites now and then...cva34 And of course you could cut the box and modify with Glue and Duct tape Them some tough looking Boxes
