I finished building my first brooder (pics)

[lleighmay]

I use something very similar except I used the clear boxes and so didn't put the side wire in. They've worked great for two years. When they're very small I've had as many as 12 in there; as they grow I separate them out to other boxes in smaller groups until it's time for them to go outside. I don't want to have so many in there that someone will be forced to sit under the lamp because there's no room at the other side of the box. I too would remove the wire rack until they're a bit bigger.
Looks like a good job to me- now enjoy your new babies!

 

[JaciesCoop]

Tara: Nice job. I have one made exactly the same way except I used the biggest plastic box I could fine as I had 6 to put in it. Otherwise they will outgrow it quickly. The box is about 3.5 feet long.

I just put mine in the spare bedroom with a 75 watt bulb because the heat lamp was just too hot! It kept them just fine. But there are many different thoughts on this.

I wouldn't use the grate though as they could get hung up in that and injured.

I also put a 1.5" thick block of wood down to put the food and water on as they get their water real messy.

I've raised about 16 chicks and 2 geese in it and they have done fine.
I have 3 using it now at night because they are feathered out and spending the days in the brooder run.
Jacie