could I use an old bath tub as a brooder?

[abhaya]

I found an old bathtub on a pile of junk in the woods I can get to it with a tractor load it in the bucket but would it work as a brooder I am thinking lay it on its side and attach doors do something with it to make the floor not slippery.

 

[LynneP]

You may be able to use it right-side up, too, placing plexiglass over one end and a ventilated hatch made of hardware cloth in a frame. Clean thoroughly of course because of wild bird droppings and get a plug for the drain. Be sure your chicks can get out of the heat. Some ideas here, my brooder is good for 2-3 weeks only, similar design from a huge plexiglass container that used to be a cigarette display case. Scroll down past the chickie photos to see it-

https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=7693-A_Brooder

 

[oldbag855]

That's exactly what I used for a brooder this spring. I put some plywood about 3/4th's of the way across the top, had my husband build a frame with screen for the rest. I used metal screen so I could lay the heating lamp on the screen or clamp it to the side when they didn't need so much heat. It worked out great because when I wanted to clean it out, it was a breeze. I hope this helps.

 

[dntd]

We used our tub for a brooder(we have 2 bathrooms). We made a frame for the top out of scrap wood and mesh. I used newspaper then shaving, all the babies survived

 

[Ema]

the tub sounds like a great idea!! once you have shavings in there I do not think it would be slippery. but I too would wash that tub very well to be sure all other animal residue is off, never know what was all over it before you brought it back to the house

 

[dulcimer lady]

That's what I used last spring. Didn't have any problems.

 

[abhaya]

I think I see a bathtub comming into my mud porch.