Kiddie pool brooder -frustrated with wire siding

[ladybrasa]

So there is probably some simple solution, and this is a foolish question, but how do I get the chicken wire or even Hardware cloth to stay upright? Very frustrated.

So I am getting a batch of chicks in Wednesday, and I have all the supplies ready. Yesterday I attempted to wrap around chicken wire for the walls. Not only was it difficult trying to roll that stuff around the pool, but the ends totally lean inwards and won’t stay up. So I figured I have hardware cloth and it’s pretty sturdy, so tonight I tried wrapping that around the pool ... nevermind I apparently have fallen short about a foot, but the ends also lean in! (Trying to pick up more is a whole ‘nother issue) I’ve seen a bunch of images around the ‘net of people’s DIY pool brooders, and whichever wire they use seems to fit the circumference seamlessly and stay upright. Any tips to achieve this with a very UN-handyperson person?

 

[Justso]

So there is probably some simple solution, and this is a foolish question, but how do I get the chicken wire or even Hardware cloth to stay upright? Very frustrated.

So I am getting a batch of chicks in Wednesday, and I have all the supplies ready. Yesterday I attempted to wrap around chicken wire for the walls. Not only was it difficult trying to roll that stuff around the pool, but the ends totally lean inwards and won’t stay up. So I figured I have hardware cloth and it’s pretty sturdy, so tonight I tried wrapping that around the pool ... nevermind I apparently have fallen short about a foot, but the ends also lean in! (Trying to pick up more is a whole ‘nother issue) I’ve seen a bunch of images around the ‘net of people’s DIY pool brooders, and whichever wire they use seems to fit the circumference seamlessly and stay upright. Any tips to achieve this with a very UN-handyperson person?

I trolled craigslist until I found somebody getting rid of a folding exercise pen (like this one). It wraps around the pool perfectly. I haven't worried about chicks getting out, but it would be easy to attach chicken or hardware cloth with zip ties.

 

[ladybrasa]

Of course everywhere is out of hardware cloth!!! Pandemic chickens.

I did find one roll of something more heavy duty than hardware cloth labeled “cage wire”. 10 feet which is the length I needed. Works out great! Phew.

im definitely going to need more space in a couple weeks though. What do you put on the bottom on the exercise pen to minimize mess?

Chicksshould be coming today!!

 

[jreardon1918]

A few pictures of your setup would be helpful to help with advise. Current brooder setup.
Coop, run. And of course your location. Within a few weeks, you will need a top to keep the chicks from flying out of whatever enclosure you are using. Good luck.

 

[Justso]

Of course everywhere is out of hardware cloth!!! Pandemic chickens.

I did find one roll of something more heavy duty than hardware cloth labeled “cage wire”. 10 feet which is the length I needed. Works out great! Phew.

im definitely going to need more space in a couple weeks though. What do you put on the bottom on the exercise pen to minimize mess?

Chicksshould be coming today!!

Just pine flakes.