Brooder in a Uhaul box

[Jomojp]

Not too pricey
We moved recently and had these long clothing boxes left. When it was time to buy another 100-gallon tank for the chicks, the price tag made me think twice. So here it is. It is working pretty well so far:
-I cut out one of the long sides of the box and made it the top.
-Lined the interior with some empty, inside-out equine sweet-feed bags. (glued)
-Taped the edges to prevent premature peeling.
-For bedding I am using some moisture lock doggy pads. Later, I will add some wood shavings.

 

[mortie]

Looks nice a nice size. I used a dishwasher box and didn't bother to line it with anything as you have, so I can't comment on that. My chicks are 11 days old and they'll be outgrowing their dishwasher box (I laid it on its side for more square footage) and I have a much larger one in the garage for them to use then.

I would suggest you secure that light another way if you haven't, to prevent it from falling if it should come unclamped. I don't trust the clamps on those things and my light is hanging from a 2 wires so it won't be falling in.

Once they get to running around, they will kick those little food dishes over, and they'll poop in them too.

I put marbles in my waterer like that for several days until I was reasonably sure they wouldn't drown. I'm not sure if they can drown in those little waterers but it was one thing I didn't want to walk in to find.

Cute chicks! What kind are they?

 

[Jomojp]

Great tips, Chillin'. I will keep an eye on the lamp. So far it is pretty secure but one never know...
The waterer is pretty small so they cannot hurt themselves in there.
I have two breeds: Buckeyes and Easter eggers. They are only about 4 days old. I also have 4 ducklings who are growing like weeds. They eat so much….I am glad they are where they are in the food chain
I also like the idea of using the old dishwasher.
But, I truly cannot wait for the winter to go away so I can start getting my coop ready.

 

[jossome]

Looks great! I wouldn't trust the lamp clips either! And great idea on the doggy pads!

As mine got bigger then started kicking over all their food, and pooping in it... it was super frustrating! Maybe place their food in an old egg carton with the top portion cut off? Maybe glue it down?

Good luck! They're cute!

 

[Jomojp]

I am planning on getting them a better feeder. I am going to add some shavings on top of the pads in a few days. Seems like we are beginning to get a break in this Michigan weather

 

[donrae]

I love it!

I especially like the feed bags for lining--what a great idea!

And, if the weather stays nasty and you need to keep them in a brooder longer, you can always just add another box. Tape them together side by side and cut a door between them--instant doubled space!

And ya gotta love the price