brooder question...

[kittykorat]

So I ordered my chicks- 7 of them. They should be arriving next week.

I need to make/get a brooder for them. I was going to use a large plastic bin. I have a heat lamp.
A co-worker says she has a 40 gal terrarium that used to house a snake, but is now sitting in her garage collecting dust.. she said I am welcome to borrow it.

would the 40G glass terrarrium make a better brooder or should I stick with the original plan?

 

[BantyRooster]

I think you'd be farther ahead to make a brooder from cardboard. Make it large enough that your chicks wont outgrow it in two weeks, about four feet across, 23 inches high, shaped in an oval or circle.

Pine chips make good bedding and for that amount of chicks you shouldn't have to change them until they are ready to leave the brooder and go to their coop.

I definately wouldn't use the terrium. I have used totes in a pinch, for a few days, but the chicks out grow them quickly.

I have pics of the set-up if you are interested.

 

[chickenchik12]

i would go with the terrarium it sounds perfect

 

[cluck-addict]

For my big orders I use a watering tank from the cows...

I find side height and rounded corners or ovals being the most important factors. Walmart has a good selection right now.

If you plan on keeping chickens for long and will have chicks again... you can keep resuing the tote without having to ask to borrow the terrarium again.

Good luck. Enjoy your chicks.

 

[geebs]

Cardboard is flammable... Stock tank good... terrarium also good... plastic bin...unstable and meltable.... If you have cats or dogs... remember the flammable part...or when they are big enough to effect their environment

 

[BantyRooster]

Quote:
Most litter is flamable, too. I guess a certain amount of common sense is assumed when dealing with other adults.

Always secure your heat source. If using a hanging brooder light make sure it is hooked with a chain or other secure line so it can't fall and cause a fire.

Yes, stock stanks are a very good choice. They're also very expensive. Cardboard on the otherhand is readily available and very inexpensive. Best of all you can throw it away.

There are many options. I just offered a simple, easy to make idea.