Brooder check; first timer.

[ShannonO]

Hi all. After a couple rounds of MHP design and re-design, I think I'm close.

I'm getting ten chicks tomorrow. How is this setup? Here's my big question: can the brooder be too big? If no, I'll take that superfluous box out. If yes, I assume I should reconfigure so the MHP rear isn't enclosed by three walls.

Looking into a nipple waterer.

Any comments are much appreciated.

 

[Pork Pie]

A brooder cannot be too big IMO. I set up a 6ft*8ft brooder and put bits of tree branches in their, along with an inverted cardboard box (with sections cut from each side) for them to rest under or perch on and they seem to love the space. Additionally, the branches get them used to perching, so I've never had an issue with "training" them to use roosts when they move outdoors. I tend to put a traditional drinker and a nipple drinker in the brooder. After a week or so, they seem to get the hang of using the nipple drinker (thereafter I remove the other drinker).

 

[aart]

Looks good.
MHP should be fine there once you remove that smaller box.
You're may well need a cover within a week or two.

 

[ShannonO]

Thank you both! I've got chicken wire ready to make a cover. Will remove the smaller box and get some more perches from the woods. Thank you much!