Cardboard box size = brooder?

[Kim_1970]

I have a 21" x 24" microwave oven cardboard box that I plan to start my chicks out in.
How many chicks can fit in there (I was thinking about getting 8?) and how long can they stay in there.
The height with flaps down (I can tape the flaps up I guess to make it taller) is 14".

Should I scrap the whole cardboard box idea and get a clear plastic container instead?

Thank You

 

[Kim_1970]

Well I scrapped the box idea cause I felt it was going to just be too small. I stopped at home depot last night and picked up a 54 gallon Roughneck Hi Top tote container.

Hopefully it will be much better of a home for a few weeks for the chicks.

 

[Didelphus]

I've kept them in a cardboard box on many occasions. I make sure to lay a trash bag on the bottom before the layer of bedding, so the bottom won't get wet and I can keep reusing the box. They will probably be able to stay in your tote for awhile! I just moved 5 from a big tote like that, to the outside tractor, at 6 wks.
Laura

 

[EweSheep]

I've used washer/dryer cardboard boxes, refigerator boxes (it can make two brooders). All worked well and when you are done brooding for the year, throw them away.

 

[Gonzo]

I keep the plastic storage bins for chicks... The only bad thing about using cardboard is if they spill their water... Then you gotta mess.

 

[trilyn]

Anything pretty much works, right now I'm using pegboard for their brooder. Seriously! I use zip ties for the 4 corners and a tarp on the bottom, dump shavings on top and presto! Brooder that will also fold completely flat when done. It costs the same as a plastic rubbermaid container and again, it will fold flat and sets up in seconds! I had the guy cut it for me too, so I didn't even have to do that. One piece of pegboard cut into a 2x4 brooder. Two sides are 2x2 and two sides are 2x4 and it is nice and big for about 15 chicks, I always like to have a ton of room-it gets less messy that way! Just another idea to throw at you!! lol Have fun!

ETA: Alright, so it doesn't fold flat, just cut the ties and stack the pieces somewhere.

 

[Backyard_Chicken_rancher]

Quote:
Any chance we can get a picture of that brooder I would love to see how you did this and what did you use to cover all the holes in the peg board.?

 

[wildorchid053]

we use the big plastic totes. then into the garden tub till they can get out.. then out the door , last yr it was still too cool for outside so we made a run in the basement till it was warm enough for outside. they did great in the garden tub and we don't use it.. takes to long to fill lol

 

[sgtmom52]

I have 26 eggs in the bator and am going to start them in a large plastic storage tote brooder. I then have a BIG heavy duty cardboard box that our new treadmill came in to move them into later. The box is about 7' long 3' wide and 2' high. I am going to put hardware cloth on top to keep the chicks in and the cats and dogs out.

 

[EweSheep]

Do you know those bottom trays for your washer? A washer box with the bottom cut out works perfectly for a brooder. Yeah I know about the spilled mess LOL! At least it is good to clean up with a floor brush pan.