Does anyone have experience using these playpens as a brooder?

[SituationalLefty]

I'm using a hexagonal playpen right now - kind of mini-tent- and no issues with the heat plate brooder. These things are much safer than heating lamps, which I would not use because the tent fabric is potentially flammable.

 

[AmyA248]

I'm thinking about getting one of these play pens ( https://a.co/d/gMN4s1V ) as a chick brooder this time around. I'll have 6 chicks and my usual small animal cage is not going to work since they'll need to be inside a little longer this time of year.

The space seems good, my concern is water mess (maybe a tarp underneath?) and dust because the sides aren't super high. The other option is the typical large tote with a wire mesh lid but it won't store as easily as the play pen.

Has anyone tried this, thoughts?

Yes!
I love them, they give lots of much needed room and are easy to clean and sterilize.
The only downside is that they are not waterproof. At least mine isn’t. Maybe some are, I’m not sure. Also you need to find something to hang your heat lamp on.
I put a garage bag under mine because it is currently in our KITCHEN! And ducklings make a huge mess!!
Here’s the one I use.

Good luck!