California - Northern

[caychris]

So.....I got the big wooden box to convert to a brooder. It is much taller than needed (like 4'). What would be the ideal height for a box brooder?

The one I just built is about 28" deep.

 

[ronott1]

So.....I got the big wooden box to convert to a brooder. It is much taller than needed (like 4'). What would be the ideal height for a box brooder?

It depends on how long they will be in the box. If hatching and brooding is going to happen a lot, start with smaller and then move them through bigger ones and pens until they are either re homed or the move into the flock(s) at your place.

 

[tommysgirl]

So.....I got the big wooden box to convert to a brooder. It is much taller than needed (like 4'). What would be the ideal height for a box brooder?

I would think that it would depend on what size and breeds and how long you wanted to keep them in there. If it is for the full 6 weeks then maybe 3 feet + would be OK esp. if you have flyers.

 

[PetRock]

So.....I got the big wooden box to convert to a brooder. It is much taller than needed (like 4'). What would be the ideal height for a box brooder?

I agree that 4 ft tall is too tall to easily reach down into. My largest indoor brooder is a 4 x 2 ft stock tank. It is 2 ft tall and I don't think that I would want it any taller. If you want more height, is there any way you can hinge one side of the box or a section of a side so you can either open it down or to the side? That would make it easier to clean out, too. I have to reach down inside my stock tank and use a small dust pan to clean out the shavings & droppings. I threw my back out a couple weeks ago just by cleaning out the brooders. I dream of having a raised brooder or 3 tiered brooder with doors that open for easy access and clean out. My outdoor "quail" pen is like that but it is huge and not easy to catch the chicks when I have to.

Check out Ariel188's brooder in post 2600. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/6233/brooder-thread-post-pics-of-your-brooders/2590

This is her first brooder for newly hatched chicks in post 2566. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/6233/brooder-thread-post-pics-of-your-brooders/2560#post_13296320

 

[Kaylish]

So.....I got the big wooden box to convert to a brooder. It is much taller than needed (like 4'). What would be the ideal height for a box brooder?

The one I just built is 30" but one of my 4 wk CLB is already flying to the top but any deeper and I couldn't reach the bottom.

 

[chiqita]

So....I got the big wooden box to convert to a brooder.   It is much taller than needed (like 4').  What would be the ideal height for a box brooder?

I use the whole peach box. It can be a bit annoying to try and catch chicks in it but it is sooo nuch more useful that way can keep chicks to 6-8 weeks be used as a broody box or q pen for adults, and have roosts for playing on. If you are worried its too hard to catch chicks put a divider in the middle (we put 2 pieces of wood on each side to make a slot and used a fireplace screen but anything would work. That way you have 2 seperate brooders when wanted.

 

[chiqita]

Ok my box is shorter then 4 feet. Comes to my Waist (but is on feet. 3 feet walls? Or 2.75?

 

[InWrongCentury]

I got 3 chicks yesterday and as a brand new chick mama, I am so VERY THANKFUL for BYC and especially this forum. I have learned so much! The reference resource of searching the forums came in very handy yesterday for both settling in the new babies and my nerves when one of the chicks kept panting. I raised their heat source and left them be, and when I checked on them this morning, they were eating, drinking, pooping, and no more panting! In the spirit of gratitude, here are some cute chick photos (they certainly are not the easiest to photograph one-handed...)

 

[chiqita]

I got 3 chicks yesterday and as a brand new chick mama, I am so VERY THANKFUL for BYC and especially this forum. I have learned so much! The reference resource of searching the forums came in very handy yesterday for both settling in the new babies and my nerves when one of the chicks kept panting. I raised their heat source and left them be, and when I checked on them this morning, they were eating, drinking, pooping, and no more panting! In the spirit of gratitude, here are some cute chick photos (they certainly are not the easiest to photograph one-handed...)

Huzzah! Happy chicks come from california...Northern thread!

 

[ronott1]

I got 3 chicks yesterday and as a brand new chick mama, I am so VERY THANKFUL for BYC and especially this forum. I have learned so much! The reference resource of searching the forums came in very handy yesterday for both settling in the new babies and my nerves when one of the chicks kept panting. I raised their heat source and left them be, and when I checked on them this morning, they were eating, drinking, pooping, and no more panting!

In the spirit of gratitude, here are some cute chick photos

(they certainly are not the easiest to photograph one-handed...)

They are very cute chicks!