Dog crate for brooder?

[SurferchickinSB]

I thi

Is a medium size dog crate big enough for 4 chicks? 30" L x 19" W x 21" H.

I think that's too small, look on craigslist for a free baby crib and line the inside with cardboard for the base.

 

[PupsNHens]

I've used an extra large (40") wire dog crate as a brooder and it worked well. I elevated it so I wasn't always leaning over the chicks. The side crate door allows easy access to all corners of the crate (no leaning half-way in to reach the far end). I put cardboard part way up along the walls and doors on the inside to try to keep the bedding in (they will still manage to scratch some of it out as they grow). Then I wrapped the outside with plastic chicken fence. I attached both the cardboard and the fencing with zip ties. The fencing is important because the chicks will get out through the bars when they are little.