Ideas for interim brooder/cage 3 week old chicks

[pigcoon]

I have 5 almost 3 week old Golden Comets. I have them in a big blue bin that has been fine. However, they are getting bigger and more active and I feel like they need more space. It is not warm enough consistently for them to be outside yet.

What have people used for a step-up between brooder and outside coop. (I have a bunny cage that would be great, but the bunny uses it at night).

 

[hennypennysmom]

I'm going to be in the exact same position in another week - my chicks are 1.5 weeks and growing quickly. It was 90 yesterday here, but only in the 60s today - so being outside isn't an option for us either. Will watch this thread to see what others do! I was going to post on my freecycle group here that I'm looking for a big box - I'm using a large rubbermaid bin right now......they are getting really flighty too - flapping and jumping - too funny!
Kara

 

[pigcoon]

It sounds like we might be in the same part of the country weatherwise! They are so funny to watch. I did put mine outside for a little while yesterday when the sun was full and the wind died down. They had a really good time and then came inside and fell asleep all tuckered out!!

Freecycle is a good idea. That's how I got the bunnycage my black dutch uses at night.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you can find a big cardboard box or more ikely tape two or three big boxes together, you can make a fairly cheap roomy brooder.

 

[SimplyForties]

Appliance boxes make good big brooders. Check with your appliance store and see if they have one.

 

[Chicken Fruit]

rent to own places have the biggest unbaled boxes. The big stores bale all theirs and crush them. Any dumpster with a slot on the front is for cardboard only, they tend to be blue.

 

[Mourningdove]

Quote:
Here's a thought for ya......go to your local grocery store and ask them about a large box, as they throw out the boxes thats used in shipment of the food they stock on the shelves.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Quote:
If you have a Walmart in your area I would ask if they could save you or have one of those nice big fruit bins that you could have! I got one and are asking they save me two more, they are fabulous for brooders. They are over three feet wide and over 4 feet long and I think that's pretty good-sized and should keep the babies comfy for quite a spell!