i have brood coop questions

[kimmerjo]

I am wondering what I should build/use for hens to brood in? I have an igloo dog house I'm not using would this work? I could make a small run to put over it. OR I can build one out of wood. What is better?

 

[Judy]

The igloo dog house would probably be too hot. A broody pen works best if you have one for each broody. I only isolate the broody while she is setting; once the chicks hatch, the mama and chicks join the flock. If you do it this way, the broody only needs a nest plus just a few sq ft to walk around, and put food and water. Of course she will need a lot more run space if you keep her isolated while she raises the chicks. I have a large, breezy coop, and simply have a corner of it walled off with chicken wire for a broody.

 

[kimmerjo]

Ok do I set the box on the ground or keep it a few inches off the ground ? And should I isolate them for like a week or two from the rest of flock I have heard to do both don't isolate and do ?