Brooder setup opinions

[MastrangeloFamily]

We cut out the inside of the lid and bolted in hardware cloth. We have 2 cats and it is very sturdy/holds their weight and protects the chickens. Well..... It will. When we get them.

PXL_20210308_190024852.jpg

• MastrangeloFamily
• Mar 8, 2021

Brooder lid, photo taken by a 5yr old

 

[wordgirl]

What year is the 3rd addtion from? A quick google search turned up an article from cackle hatchery sourcing Gail Damerow from 2017 saying that continuous light should only be used for the first 48 hours in a new brooder.
https://www.cacklehatchery.com/how-to-take-care-of-baby-chickens/

Third edition looks like it is 2010. I know there is a newer edition, though I don't own it to be able to check if they've updated the section.

Thank you for linking to that! The position that chicks continue to need light for proper growth (after the first period of getting them settled in) hasn't fully made sense to me, so I'm encouraged to see that Damerow (an expert I have great respect for) looks like she advocates for that now. If you find any other helpful info, please do share!

 

[Sally PB]

We cut out the inside of the lid and bolted in hardware cloth. We have 2 cats and it is very sturdy/holds their weight and protects the chickens.

I like this set up a lot!

 

[MastrangeloFamily]

I like this set up a lot!

Here is some better pictures. I was trapped earlier by a sleeping baby and had to ask my 5yr old for pictures.

Better view of the Mastrangelofamily brooder

• MastrangeloFamily
• Mar 8, 2021
• 1

Everything is super bolted in because we have 2 very curious cats and 3 very curious young children.

Better view of the Mastrangelofamily brooder

• MastrangeloFamily
• Mar 8, 2021
• large brooder

The middle is cut out to make it larger.

 

[Harmoni]

Here is some better pictures. I was trapped earlier by a sleeping baby and had to ask my 5yr old for pictures.

Better view of the Mastrangelofamily brooder

• MastrangeloFamily
• Mar 8, 2021
• 1

Everything is super bolted in because we have 2 very curious cats and 3 very curious young children.

Better view of the Mastrangelofamily brooder

• MastrangeloFamily
• Mar 8, 2021
• large brooder

The middle is cut out to make it larger.

That is a fabulous idea! I too, am frequently trapped by a sleeping baby lol.
How many chicks are you planning to house in there?

 

[wordgirl]

Here is some better pictures. I was trapped earlier by a sleeping baby and had to ask my 5yr old for pictures.

Better view of the Mastrangelofamily brooder

• MastrangeloFamily
• Mar 8, 2021
• 1

Everything is super bolted in because we have 2 very curious cats and 3 very curious young children.

Better view of the Mastrangelofamily brooder

• MastrangeloFamily
• Mar 8, 2021
• large brooder

The middle is cut out to make it larger.

Best part of those pictures is the 2D rooster testing out the brooder to make sure it will be acceptable for the new chicks.

I love your setup!

 

[MastrangeloFamily]

That is a fabulous idea! I too, am frequently trapped by a sleeping baby lol.
How many chicks are you planning to house in ther

That is a fabulous idea! I too, am frequently trapped by a sleeping baby lol.
How many chicks are you planning to house in there?

We are planning on 28. Quite the mixed flock too.

 

[MastrangeloFamily]

Best part of those pictures is the 2D rooster testing out the brooder to make sure it will be acceptable for the new chicks.

I love your setup!

My Daughter was testing out the brooder to make sure it worked. She didn't want her rooster to fly out.

 

[Harmoni]

So my warming plate came and my husband redesigned the lid. There are also a few holes on the food and water side to help ventilate.

 

[wordgirl]

Brilliant design on the lid, to provide secure ventilation while retaining structural integrity!