Brooder expansion

[3KillerBs]

Unfortunately our coop is not yet completed and probably won’t be for another few weeks. I can get a big box and attach to the kennel to keep the space ok and that should hold a top better.
What would you do for the remainder of the day today and tomorrow till I can get a box /get it set up? Is it worth the risk with the bird netting they will be going to sleep probably in a few hours they seem to settle down together by 8-9pm

I'm sorry, I don't have any particular suggestions for that if you can't get a bigger box right away. (Maybe a grocery store?)

 

[rosemarythyme]

So they just started flying out! Unfortunately that section is super flimsy so anything placed on top makes it almost collapse, the only thing I got to stay was bird netting I had for my blueberry bushes. I made it as taught as I could but I’m worried if they do attempt to fly up they will get caught in it.. what do you think? Am I better off not using that section at all anymore and just keeping them in the kennel?

Netting should be fine as long as it's attached to something (you can duct tape cardboard scraps together to make a quick frame) and evenly taut. Loose netting is dangerous.

Another option is a sheet of hardware cloth that's flattened out, but not sure if the walls of that section are sturdy enough?

 

[Gwhite3678]

Netting should be fine as long as it's attached to something (you can duct tape cardboard scraps together to make a quick frame) and evenly taut. Loose netting is dangerous.

Another option is a sheet of hardware cloth that's flattened out, but not sure if the walls of that section are sturdy enough?

Ok thank you!! I didn’t realize being a mother hen would be so stressful haha

 

[Gwhite3678]

I think I’m all set now!! This is now 22 square feet and 3-4 feet tall next time we raise chicks we will have a built enclosed box haha. Hopefully this works till they go out in coop

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think I’m all set now!! This is now 22 square feet and 3-4 feet tall next time we raise chicks we will have a built enclosed box haha. Hopefully this works till they go out in coop

Looks good though you'll still need some netting if they're going to be in there for a few more weeks. Chicks can jump pretty high, this is why you see hens roosting with babies at their sides as early as 3 weeks or so.

 

[bigsis08]

Looks good though you'll still need some netting if they're going to be in there for a few more weeks. Chicks can jump pretty high, this is why you see hens roosting with babies at their sides as early as 3 weeks or so.

Yeah lol. I totally see them jumping on the dog crate door and then on top of the crate. I have mine in a ferret cage with 3 levels and they jump/fly instead of using the ramps. They run out of space fast and get really gutsy. Something else I'll mention is please be super careful using duct tape around birds. Make sure none of the tape is able to be exposed to the chicks because it will turn out badly.

 

[themotleycoopchic]

If you have one or have funds to purchase one, a two man dome tent works. I had the same siruation happen to me this year. Weather/wind delayed our coop build and in a pinch am using a 7x7 dome tent I changed the heat lamp to red LED light and used a producers pride brooder/heater from TSC. My tent has a power cord entry hole too I took the rain fly off to for more ventilation.