First Post on here, but I wanted to share some pics for the brooder that I just finished today. I used a shipping crate that we get in from time to time and cut it down to size to fit my needs. I used 1/4" hardware cloth to finish it up. As you will see in the first pic, I did put a hinged clean out door on one end to make it easy to sweep out, and hinged the top. I will get some pine shavings in there before I get some chicks. I haven't decided on where to buy from yet. The total size is 42"x 60".
One question, is that enough light? Temp is staying around 95 give or take a degree. I have the light on a chain that I can adjust. I may put another lamp in there to provide some additional lighting as I don't want to leave all the lights on in my workshop all the time.
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i use the same exact cage with the same exact color. Will post pics tomorrow. I moved them to a bigger dog crate so will show pics of that s well
jray, I like the size of your brooder. That should hold a bunch of them. On mine I am thinking of adding a second story onto it on the inside of it. Just to give them a place to roost when they get a little older.
heres my converted brooder, it used to house a sugar glider years ago that my son bought. i built it out of coated 1/2"x1/2" hard ware cloth. it isn't the first brooder they were in as usual i improvise and today they are enjoying the fine weather outside, then its into the garage.
another view, 5 birds in it
edited to add dimensions. 24" wide x24" tall x 69" long has two access doors and was assembled with barrel crimps.
edited to add with
Here's a picture of my brooder. I had one set up in a kiddie pool and cardboard around it, like one of my books recommended, but then after I read this thread and heard about someone using a watermelon box, and I happened upon one, I decided to use that to give more space. It even had some holes to put a short roost in. I have a chunk of metal fencing to put on top when I'm not around.