Buying a used brooder/incubator - inexpensive, no many eggs needed

[yazzymon]

Is there anyone out there with a small incubator that perhaps is moving to a larger size. I would like to raise some Olive eggers and have low funds/tight budget.

any advice is appreciated as well, b/c I am new and have NO experience with them...I have had one broody hen and chicks in the coop but not an incubator.

Many Thanks! Happy New Year! Jamie Bellingham, WA

 

[rebel yell]

You can build your self one out of a ice chest for a little of nothing, & the one I made works as good as any one iv seen, Omaha Steaks ice chest works the best & will hold 20-24 eggs.

 

[yazzymon]

Quote:
Yes, but where do the chick go once they've hatched?

 

[Katy]

You'll need to make a brooder box with a heat lamp for them once they hatch. Large rubber maid containers make good brooder boxes and are easy to clean and store when you're not using them.

 

[Baralak]

Yep.. Tubs, storage bins... They are easy to make for weeks 1-4, after that you have to make them a little bigger... Here is my 1-4 week brooder.. I just put some wire netting over the top and clamp it down so they don't get out, and nothing gets in.

If you are raising a small number (3-4) you can use a bird cage... I started 9 Bantams in a bird cage for the first week, before.. wouldn't do that again, but 3 or 4 would be great.

 

[Raven81]

i have been collecting ideas to make my own aswell ( off this site ) https://www.backyardchickens.com/chicken-coop-incubator.html ) & then i was thinking well i need a brooder but remembered i have an old rat cage that i can turn into one ill just drill out a hole in the side for a light & that should do them quite well for the 1st few weeks then they can go out into the small coop with a light.

 

[yazzymon]

Do you all think a ten gallon clear glass fish tank would work for 4-8 chickies? if so, how long could they be in this and then where do they go?

Many Thanks! for the pic and ideas!!!!

 

[Katy]

Quote:
8 will outgrow it very quickly.....and 4 within a short time too. It's much easier to keep a brooder clean if you don't overcrowd it with chicks.

 

[yazzymon]

Quote:
8 will outgrow it very quickly.....and 4 within a short time too. It's much easier to keep a brooder clean if you don't overcrowd it with chicks.

yah but then where do they go?

 

[speedy2020]

I used the cardboard box as brooder box. The 40w-100w incandescent light bulb w/any type of light socket will do the trick. It all depend on the size of the box. You need to keep the temperature approximately 90F-95F 1st week and 5F lower each week.