Brooder Feedback

[ssramage]

Still making progress towards getting our first chickens this year. Had a small bump in the road with Mama, but my son turned on his charm and convinced her that he "NEEDED" chickens.

So we get home last night and built his brooder, similar to one I used a long time ago. Pretty basic, but looking for feedback. Inside we've got a feeder/waterer and I'll build a tiny roost.One thing I'll likely change is to swap the lamp over to a heating pad setup like I've seen on here. The potential for fires with the lamp have me a little gun shy.

I'm in Southeast GA, after this week the weather will be pretty awesome for the next few weeks, highs 70s and lows 50s. Any thoughts on putting this brooder on our screened in back deck vs in the basement? Our basement is cool/dark/damp. I thought the back deck may be more natural.

Also what bedding should I use?

 

[aart]

Well, depending on how many chicks you plan on...it's gonna get too small real fast.
How's the coop choice/build going?

Screened in back deck should be fine, providing they are blocked from wind and rain.

Many folks use totes, but, other than being too small they also don't offer side access which is better for interacting with new chicks. They get petrified when something comes down from above them.

 

[ssramage]

Well, depending on how many chicks you plan on...it's gonna get too small real fast.
How's the coop choice/build going?

Screened in back deck should be fine, providing they are blocked from wind and rain.

Many folks use totes, but, other than being too small they also don't offer side access which is better for interacting with new chicks. They get petrified when something comes down from above them.

We're getting close to having really nice weather. I don't anticipate the birds needing to stay in the brooder any longer than necessary.

Honestly, I haven't even started on the coop. I think for now, I'm going to start out simpler and get some experience under my belt. Thinking a simple 5x7 coop, with tons of ventilation. Thinking at least 3 open sides that can be closed up easily during our 1 month of winter.

Put that inside a 10x10 dog kennel with roof, and let the birds free range during the day.

I've got enough scrap lumber at the house that I can probably put something together for less than $150 to get started.