I have a homemade brooder and need some quick advice

[shellcracker]

I have a homemade brooder and need some help on how to ventalate it. The brooder is 30x36 made out of plywood with a wood top and bottom. I have read where the brooders need to be draft free but I feel like it needs some type of ventalation to keep the chicks some fresh air. This is my first batch and they will be arriving next week so please help me with this problem

 

[Ridgerunner]

Good question. You could just take the top off. Many brooders don't have a top and if they do, it's made of wire. As long as you have solid sides and a solid bottom, you should not have any drafts. You can test it by putting a candle in it and observe the flame.

 

[sfw2]

Do you have a pic you can post? Might make it easier to offer advice.

 

[jvls1942]

delete

 

[briana1975]

If it is a solid "cube" with opening top I would use a jig saw and cut opening in the top and cover with chicken wire.

 

[shellcracker]

Quote:
Sorry no pictures at the present time. It is a solid wood box 30x36x30inches high.

 

[yotetrapper]

Take the top off. Or at least half the top.

 

[debakadeb]

I found it easier to use a plastic tote (large size) as a brooder the first couple of weeks. After that, I move them to the large wooden box -- sounds like it is about the same size as your's. Our's doesn't have a top, we have made a top for it from wire framed with wood. I'm fairly certain in one more week, they will be flying to the top of it to survey the greater world beyond their walls

so the top is very necessary.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I agree, top needs air, any kind of wire, window screen, whatever you have. If you have to buy something, plastic bird netting from Home Depot is under $10 for a big roll.

 

[lilchick]

We worry so much about the chicks getting cold.. But if you listen and observe you can tell if they are comfortable.
Leaving the top partially off to give fresh air and reduce the moisture sounds good. Heck go to the farm stores and they have the chicks in horse troughs with heat lamp on one end. They are running and jumping around not cold at all.
And if broody hen was raising them they have all sorts of temp. changes but can zip under momma to warm up....
If they are spread out eating and chirping contently they are comfortable with the temp. I would worry more about overheating them....