I'm going to build a brooder tomorrow--need advice!

[eggspletive!]

I've got some extra hardware cloth and a bunch of scrap lumber, so I've decided to build a brooder--but I don't know what size to make it. I'm going to be getting five chicks. Can anybody give me some suggested dimensions (including height)?

Thanks!

 

[gottalovemychickens]

i would say 2'x2' and maybe 2' high . for only 5 chicks that is . If it gets to big you will have the chance of them getting drafts , and or getting cold at night by wandering around the brooder hehe

 

[newchickmom]

Here's mine. It can be divided into 2 sections, if I need to, and has 2 doors that open up in the front. Also, the boards in the front are to hold the shavings in and they remove for cleaning.

 

[SushiLove]

Clear Rubbermaid or Sterilite container. That's what I used. Easy to clean! You can modify the lid anyway you wish. Worked great! When not using it as a brooder you can store all your baby chick stuff in it until next time!

 

[cmom]

Here are pictures of one of my brooders. I have made some modifications on it. If I ever build another one I would hinge the top on both sides and have it open one side over the box part and the other half open. I have one large door on top. There is a metal tray underneath to collect the poop which you can see in the bottom picture. Also it does have a wire bottom but I also cut a piece of plywood that I could put in and take out. I used it for a chicken jail too so made an area as a nest box on one end.