Cat-Proof Brooder Ideas?

[CluckU2]

Hello all,
I have never had chickens and don't even have chicks yet BUT I am planning on it and making arrangments ahead of time. I have two very large (muscular) cats and I am worried about having a small brooder with them around. I am worried that when mama's away the cats will play! Has anyone made a small, cat-proof brooder? I will only have 3 or 4 chicks. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[team_realtree]

Are you aware you have posted this 7 times?

 

[team_realtree]

Are you aware you have posted this 7 times?

 

[team_realtree]

Are you aware you have posted this 7 times?

 

[CluckU2]

I do not know how this was posted 7 times, I am sorry. It wasn't loading right and I clicked "post" more than once. SORRY.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

Okay, it is a little funny that the post saying you posted yours 7 times, was posted 3 times.

Sometimes, you just get a glitch. Things happen.

Anyway, for just a few chicks, large plastic storage tubs with tight fitting or locking lids work great. You can cut the center out of the lid, leaving the outside edge as a frame. Cut a 1/2" hardware cloth panel and bolt it to the open section, using washers. It makes a nice sturdy top that won't be crushed by a cat laying on top. Make sure you secure the heat lamp so that it can't be knocked off or over, depending on what your set-up ends up being.

 

[Break an Egg]

Quote:
This is perfect and I use it around my cat and it has always worked.

 

[NoseyChickens]

For added security, because I used to have a dog that liked to eat my chickens, I put the large plastic tote inside a large wire dog crate. Works really well and is easy to get in and out of.

 

[mistyfeather]

we just built a wooden box , half the top had wire mesh covering it the other half was a solid wood lid that could be opened for cleaning, feeding and play time. the heat lamp hung above the wire part , never had a prob with the cat getting at them