BROODER thread! Post pics of your brooders!

[vpatt]

Thanks everyone, I'm taking in all the suggestions...they are all helpful and I appreciate all the help. I saw right away that the broodys can do a much better job than me. I wanted the experience so I might know what to do if it is ever needed, especially at the last minute when I might not have time to research for info.

 

[bantambury]

nice!

I added the screened lids to mine today. went to HD to get the supplies, and all the hardware cloth they had in stock was 50' rolls. bad as I hate using poultry cloth, I needed to get the lids on, the lil buggers are jumping around a flapping their wings, to the point I was beginning to worry they were close to getting out.




I also made a couple coke bottle nipple water bottles and put them in an extra shampoo bottle holder for the shower. They've looked it over good, none have made the first peck yet. I also stood a piece of 2x4 on edge, a couple of them have already begun to roost on it. Just long enough to fool the rest of them, let them pile up to sleep then jump off the roost in the middle of the pile, HA

what is the length and width of your brooder??

 

[bantambury]

got my brooder planned out...
is there anything you all would recommend changing? I want to be able to keep a max of 10, 4 month old chicks in here, (not for real, just an idea of size) so would there be enough room you think??

 

[21hens-incharge]

Good heavens. At 4 months old they should be in a coop. If I read the pic right it would be 2 feet x 4 feet. That would give you a total of 8 sq ft. I am certain with 10 4 month old chickens they would be way over crowded.

My 2 cents. I would have them in the coop by then.

 

[Rhetts]

I agree with 21hens-incharge that your brooder would be too small for 10 four month olds.

 

[bantambury]

Good heavens. At 4 months old they should be in a coop. If I read the pic right it would be 2 feet x 4 feet. That would give you a total of 8 sq ft. I am certain with 10 4 month old chickens they would be way over crowded.

My 2 cents. I would have them in the coop by then.

I normally have my chicks out in 2 months, but I gave that number just asking if they would 'fit' not really live in there, that would be terrible of me to do that! LOL I hatch bantams anyways, but do you think I should put more height and width just to be safe?

I agree with 21hens-incharge that your brooder would be too small for 10 four month olds.

im just saying that age s I have an idea of chicks I can put in there.

 

[21hens-incharge]

They would need more floor space than height. How about a 4x8 brooder?

 

[bantambury]

Hmmm... im not sure if I have the room for that. Maybe I could go for a 3x5? And if not could I stick with my origional measurements as long as I have fewer than 12 chicks?

 

[Rhetts]

They would need more floor space than height. How about a 4x8 brooder?

X2 more floor space.

I don't know anything about raising bantams but I do know floor space needs to be plenty for all chickies. What sized brooder have you used in the past that you were able to keep them for 2 months inside? I would be ready for them to move outside!! The brooder I made is 4 widex8 longx2 high. I anticipate the chicks to be inside for 1 month but just in case in turns out to be longer (if winter decides to stay longer than it should) I made it a tad big.

 

[21hens-incharge]

3x5 would be better than 2x4.
2x4=8 sq ft
3x5=15 sq ft

Nearly double so much more doable