Brooders...pics for 20+?

[grullablue]

We've made and used a very nice brooder, but in the next couple of months I plan to order 25 chicks. Just don't think it will be big enough for 25 chicks beyond the first week. I would LOVE to see photos of your brooders that are used for 20+, and how long you were able to keep that many in it! Thank you!
Angie

 

[BrickWall Honey]

Ours is 8' long and we keep up to 28 chicks to 7-8 weeks then out to coop in normal weather.

 

[grullablue]

oh very nice!! Looks like the top and front are hardware cloth? My "brooder" is about half this size by the looks of it. I normally keep it in the garage, so would want mine draft free. Our actual temp right now is 15 below zero. I don't have a lot of building projects under my belt, but I'd like to try to build something on my own. Hubby is the builder in the family....but I'd like to try to tackle this project on my own.

Thanks for a great idea! It's very nice, and great to know how many/how long you got use of it!

Angie

 

[BrickWall Honey]

The hardware cloth is really plastic weave. Not metal wire. You can get it at HD or LOWs, very easy to work with, cut with scissors and just staple to the frame. Although I ripped the lumber from my pine logs, everything there you can buy from the above. 1x2 pine strips make all the frames. Floor, ends and back wall 1/4 plywood, you can also get it cut to size from the above locations. Simple cheap hinges, with a string to keep them flipping way over back. Drilled holes in top for heat lamps. Hope this helps with ideas.

If you notice in the back you'll see some yellow 1/2 insulating panels, those I use to close the back and the front if avoiding a draft. Cheap and works. Mine is in basement.

 

[grullablue]

It's wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing your brooder!

Angie

 

[conny63malies]

How tall and deep is that brooder? About 2 ft?

 

[BrickWall Honey]

How tall and deep is that brooder? About 2 ft?

Just about, 26" deep and tall.

 

[conny63malies]

Thanks, I just might have to make one that size. Removable dividers shouldn't be too hard to add

 

[Beekissed]

Outside brooder for temps in the 30s and below, bottom is thick cardboard covered with pine shavings, sides are hay bales, topper was two pieces of plywood that could be positioned for more air flow for warmer day time temps. Easy to make smaller or expand at any given time by taking away or adding hay bales and easy to open up to a larger area while still keeping a cozy place to sleep near the light by just removing a wall of hay bales. Cheap, easy to set up and break down, effective, easy to heat and keeps the smells and mess outside.