Brooder (ventilation question...)

[Dinos_rock]

Okay, I think I will buy a thermometer and test it out to see what I'll do.

 

[Dinos_rock]

Ok, so there has been a change of plans. I have decided to use a dog crate instead of the rubbermaid containers. I have covered the crate in a heavy duty plastic mesh stuff. I am hoping the holes are small enough that the chicks can't fit through. If they can, then I'm screwed because I just spent two hours zip-tying it to the crate.:| I'll try to post pics tomorrow, because it is too dark now.

But now I am wondering if there will be too much ventilation (is there such a thing?) since it is open on all the sides. I have a cover that was originally designed for it, so maybe I'll use it to cover just half of the cage. Also I am not putting it on the porch anymore I'm putting it behind my coop so my other chickens can still see them. Is this a good idea or not? It is in the shade the whole day.

As far as predators go, I think the only real threat is my dog and she won't be able to get to them. I live in a city (with a small desert right next door, but I don't think there is any predators except maybe hawks. So any ideas or suggestions?