Hey all!

[CardwellFarm]

I was wondering what some of your brooders look like? Show me please

 

[archeryrob]

I just built https://archeryrob.wordpress.com/2020/07/28/ohio-brooder-with-temperature-controls/ which the big part breaks down to be stored flat in the attic of the garage. I posted it in the articles section also, just can't remember how to find it now.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Mine is built into the coop. Are you brooding inside or out?

 

[aart]

Have been thru several iterations of brooders:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-brooder-palace.67730/


Then after I got the Palace built ,
I started brooding in the coop from 1-2 weeks after hatch for early integration.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

 

[CardwellFarm]

I just built https://archeryrob.wordpress.com/2020/07/28/ohio-brooder-with-temperature-controls/ which the big part breaks down to be stored flat in the attic of the garage. I posted it in the articles section also, just can't remember how to find it now.

Very nice. How much did it cost?

Mine is built into the coop. Are you brooding inside or out?

View attachment 2289794

I am building an outside structure behind our house. We have one right now but I'm thinking about building another. Do you think ours will do? they seem happy, I'm wondering if too small. What do you think?

 

[CardwellFarm]

Have been thru several iterations of brooders:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-brooder-palace.67730/
View attachment 2290417

Then after I got the Palace built ,
I started brooding in the coop from 1-2 weeks after hatch for early integration.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
View attachment 2290412

Mine is built into the coop. Are you brooding inside or out?

View attachment 2289794

I plan on building outside

 

[rosemarythyme]

Outside as in coop or outside as in run? I have mine sitting in the run, as it doubles as a broody breaker and medical isolation ward. If you're not really handy a prefab coop can double as a brooder, seen some designs that would work similar to mine.

If you're not really handy a prefab coop or hutch can be converted into a brooder, seen some designs that would work similar to mine: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/short-on-time-recycle-a-prefab-brooder.73985/

 

[Betzz]

Have been thru several iterations of brooders:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-brooder-palace.67730/
View attachment 2290417

Then after I got the Palace built ,
I started brooding in the coop from 1-2 weeks after hatch for early integration.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/
View attachment 2290412

 

[Betzz]

I am impressed! I’ve been working on putting together (read rebuilding) one of those supposedly pre-made coops available by mail or at farm centers. Boy is it a piece of ***!! But my Banties got broody and I suddenly have six more chickens than I have space for and want to get them out of the basement and into the sunlight.

They spent their tiny days in a plastic tote in the bathroom, so it was with great relief for all to move them downstairs, but it’s time for them to start their life as grown-ups, not chicks, soon, hence the building process.

For anyone considering one of these coops instead of building from lumber, be aware they are cheaply built. They do save time, so when space is needed in a hurry, or I suppose if only a few pets were all you were housing... they are fine. But they need to be filled with glue or caulking in places to keep moisture from eating at the cheap lumber and although they are “stained,” I suggest repainting with a good exterior paint as the stain is thin and powdery. I am using a semi-gloss to make cleaning easier.

On the plus sIDE, though, a run is built on to it, as is an easily accessed two-nest box. Everything can be easily reached from outside and the doors and windows work well and can be closed and latched. Be aware, though, the places the hardware cloth is cut on an angle has been left with dangerous sharp bits so needs to be covered with lathe strips. I got cut by one just unpacking it and can only imaging what would happen to a chicken’s paper-thin skin.

I’d enjoy hearing other’s experiences with these pre-mades. Have a great success and fun with your chickens and keep safe.

Oh, and does anyone know much about using chicken peepers?

 

[aart]

Oh, and does anyone know much about using chicken peepers?

For pecking/bullying problems?
Peepers last resort, problem is usually solved with more space.