brooder/grow out pen idea! Your Opinions please!!

[rufflemyfeather]

could I use this as a brooder (top level) and grow out pen on bottom? I need a new cleaner, more contained way of raising up my peeps. Thanks

http://www.cconlystore.com/RH-58-RH-58.htm

 

[what did I do]

I wouldn't mind having that but to use it as a brooder you got to think about the chicks. Is there a way to heat it? Can the chicks go up and down by themselves? Is it big enough? Can you put older chicks downstairs and younger ones upstairs? Is it big enough for 30 chicks - that is the number I hatch in my incubator?

 

[rufflemyfeather]

i thought Id hang a lamp from the center support for the top level. The bottom level would be for 6 weeks and older chicks. I only grow out about 12 at a time.

 

[rufflemyfeather]

i know Im not getting too many opinions here; but could someone tell me if I insulate it and and a lamp in it, I could keep it outside?

thinking this insulation with neoprene would work?

http://www.amazon.com/Sponge-Neoprene-With-Adhesive-Thick/dp/B001GAD5G4/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_y

 

[what did I do]

I think it all depends on how good of a heat source you have. I have had chicks out in a non- insulated coop from day 3 without problems. It even snowed when the chicks were very young. I would worry more about over heating them on a warm day. I think something with a thermostat would work better and skip the insulation. I wouldn't try to brood outside when the night temps are much below 32°F at night.

 

[rufflemyfeather]

okay.. thinking I will keep in in the shed until it warms up a bit. no insulation.. Thank You

 

[what did I do]

okay.. thinking I will keep in in the shed until it warms up a bit. no insulation.. Thank You

If you keep it in the shed the temperature should be more constant. Let me know how it goes.