I need to build a brooder. Tell me what to do.

[TinyLittleFarm]

I'm not talking a basic rubbermaid brooder--I have that already. I want to build something bigger and more permanent.

I have 8 chickens who are 8 months old and of course out in the coop. I also have four 3 week old chicks. They are starting to get a bit big for the Rubbermaid. I have a ton of scrap wood and a whole roll of hardware cloth. Here are my requirements:

It needs to be large enough to hold 6 chicks up to 12 weeks old. (I only have 4 now, but we might raise a few more in the future.)
It must be easy to clean.
It should be easy to move. I'd like to be able to put it outside near the big chickens so they can get used to seeing each other (weather permitting).
I told DH that I would do this myself. I am a bright and capable woman, but I am not a carpenter. Let's keep it simple.

Other than that, I have no idea. I'm thinking something up on legs so it's not right on the ground.

How big? What shape? Heeeeellllllpppppp!!!!

 

[Judy]

12 week old chicks will be big enough to do best in the adult 4 sq ft per chicken. Personally, I'd just build a big box that worked out to that size, at least. Maybe with a hinged top for access. I'd probably choose the shape by what materials I had on hand.