Brooder is done, now the wait begins.

[CharlieTN]

Waiting on my first batch of chicks to arrive somewhere around July 22nd. Ordered 10 Cornish cross, 4 buff orpingtons and the free mystery chick. In the meantime I had to build a brooder. Since our plan is to raise multiple batches of fryers I wanted something a bit bigger.

My wife found a shipping crate that was 4.5' wide by 3.75' deep and 5' tall.

So I cut this down


Added wheels on the bottom


Put linoleum floor to make it easier to clean



Cutout the front to add doors



Needed some knobs so my wife had these


I split the original lid, cut out for the hardware cloth and added hinges


Also rigged up this method to hold the lids open.


I don't have pictures but I've rigged an eye bolt in the left lid so I can hang the heat lamp suspended.

I rigged a divider so I can have a smaller space for when the chicks first arrive.




Anyway, thanks for looking.

 

[DianaMallory]

Looks good! I am getting ready to start all over again, and you just gave me a brain storm. I am going to build my brooder so that I can convert it into my nesting boxes when done with it!

 

[CharlieTN]

Looks good! I am getting ready to start all over again, and you just gave me a brain storm. I am going to build my brooder so that I can convert it into my nesting boxes when done with it!

Thanks. I like it being this big, if I get a broody hen out of the Buff Orps then I can put here in there with plenty of room.

I've got one more of these shipping crates but don't think I will need it so I'm trying to find someone else who wants to build a nice brooder.

Good luck on starting over again.