Brooder size for 8?

[msmeg26]

Looking into recommendations on what to use as a brooder for our soon to be 8 chicks.. Thought rubbermaid container? Then recently I came across a travel type pack n play on FB Marketplace... now totally unsure what to us and what size... They will be in the house for the time being until feathered out.

 

[Acre4Me]

Pack n play has higher sides, and is better ventilated. That would be my choice over plastic container. However, either would work as long as plastic container is large enough for chicks to get to a cooler area if they get hot.

 

[N F C]

If the pack n play is larger than a rubbermaid container, I'd go with that. Just make sure you can cover it with something like screening so the chicks don't jump out...they can do that at a pretty young age.

 

[Missbc]

I almost went down that path but ended up getting one of the xl dog crates. I have a dog play yard that will attach to it as they grow and need more room.

Downside is that I have to use some chicken wire to keep them from slipping out but it looks like it’s a lot easier to clean than a soft bottomed pack and play.

 

[paneubert]

Looking into recommendations on what to use as a brooder for our soon to be 8 chicks.. Thought rubbermaid container? Then recently I came across a travel type pack n play on FB Marketplace... now totally unsure what to us and what size... They will be in the house for the time being until feathered out.

The photo you posted is virtually identical to what I will be using for 8-10 chicks at the end of this month. Mine has a green bottom. That is about the only difference. How much do they want for that?

 

[msmeg26]

The photo you posted is virtually identical to what I will be using for 8-10 chicks at the end of this month. Mine has a green bottom. That is about the only difference. How much do they want for that?

$25 which I find reasonable, if it'd work! do you have shavings on the bottom or yours etc? I figured when its all said and done I can hose it down outside to store for a later time...

 

[paneubert]

Planning puppy pee pads for the first few days, then shredded fuzzy paper pulp type stuff that is normally used for rabbits and hamsters and other small animals. Same idea with the hosing out when done. Have not decided how to cover the top for when they start to jump and fly. But the sides are pretty tall. I think something like 24 inches? 28? I need to pull mine out from storage and get it ready. Chicks come week of 25th.

 

[paneubert]

It is 55 bucks on amazon. Google "summers eve playpen" and it will pop up. Here are the specs in case they didn't tell you on the for sale ad you saw.

"The 14 square foot freestanding, portable playard can be used inside or outdoors and measures 48 inches wide by 26 inches tall."

 

[paneubert]

So...14 square feet will be good for a while, but not forever. I'm planning on kicking mine out to the coop within about 2 weeks. With heat out there of course.

 

[msmeg26]

Planning puppy pee pads for the first few days, then shredded fuzzy paper pulp type stuff that is normally used for rabbits and hamsters and other small animals. Same idea with the hosing out when done. Have not decided how to cover the top for when they start to jump and fly. But the sides are pretty tall. I think something like 24 inches? 28? I need to pull mine out from storage and get it ready. Chicks come week of 25th.

Feb 25th?? March 25th over here is when ours are due to arrive. Where are you getting yours from?

Perfect. I will contact seller and see if it's still available. I have some spare window screens that you can "open" and "close" and will probably use those for the top.