Brooder extension?

[Lnm130]

Has anyone had any success extending one of these? I used this years ago for 10 chicks, but could have 19 this go around. I just don't know that it will be big enough until they're coop ready?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

What climate are you in? That would play into how much growth you can expect before they would be able to be moved outside... and whether or not the space would be sufficient.
Alternative to trying to extend the one, since you have two heat plates why not just set up a second brooder space and split the number of birds between them? If you have a buy nothing group on Facebook for your local area that can be a great place to get second exercise pin similar to what you have, a baby's pack and play, a large box.. any number of the items that can be used to create a second brooder

 

[Lnm130]

What climate are you in? That would play into how much growth you can expect before they would be able to be moved outside... and whether or not the space would be sufficient.
Alternative to trying to extend the one, since you have two heat plates why not just set up a second brooder space and split the number of birds between them? If you have a buy nothing group on Facebook for your local area that can be a great place to get second exercise pin similar to what you have, a baby's pack and play, a large box.. any number of the items that can be used to create a second brooder

I'm in central Ohio. I can plant my vegetable garden on Mothers Day, of that helps climate wise, but we sometimes have freezes past that.

I thought about two brooders, but I wanted to keep them all together to help with bullying. I'm hatching some and buying some chicks. Could I just swap them around if I do two brooders?

 

[McChooky]

If you don't have to worry about cats or dogs in the house hurting them you can make a brooder out of cardboard

 

[StinkyAcres]

Do you have a power outlet in your coop? As long as they have their heat plates and a predator-proof coop they can go outside at around 3 weeks old.

 

[debid]

Do you have a power outlet in your coop? As long as they have their heat plates and a predator-proof coop they can go outside at around 3 weeks old.

I think you meant days. They can go out at 3 days if you have electricity for a heat source and a predator proof coop. Just section some off for the first several days so they can't wander far from their resources.

 

[thespurredhen]

Yes I have put two together that had side zip up doors. I used binder clips and duck tape, just connected them at the door once they were old enough to be able to wander away from the brooder plate a bit.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I think you meant days. They can go out at 3 days if you have electricity for a heat source and a predator proof coop. Just section some off for the first several days so they can't wander far from their resources.

Right, they probably can. But I, personally, don't risk putting them outside in freezing temps until they are 3 weeks old, even with a heat plate. I also like to have quick access to them in the house during their first weeks. But that is personal preference.