In-coop brooder with escape hatch

[nicolekathryn]

I don't know where I saw the idea on here but thank you to whomever posted about building a brooder in the coop. Last weekend we built one with heat and hardware cloth on all sides and today we cut an escape hatch and helped them figure out how to use it. We also took the heat out as they seem mostly fully feathered now.

If you see anything that needs improved please let me know!

 

[azygous]

Cut a second hole at the opposite end for when a bully hen blocks one of the escape holes. You can see where the chicks are naturally looking for a hole at that opposite end.

It's a matter of safety. Even though the chicks will learn to use the one hole, a chick could be injured if the far hole is blocked and another hen is closing in on the chick who can't make it through the one hole.

 

[nicolekathryn]

Cut a second hole at the opposite end for when a bully hen blocks one of the escape holes. You can see where the chicks are naturally looking for a hole at that opposite end.

It's a matter of safety. Even though the chicks will learn to use the one hole, a chick could be injured if the far hole is blocked and another hen is closing in on the chick who can't make it through the one hole.

Thank you! I was considering it and wasn't sure if it was necessary. I'll do that tomorrow.