my homemade brooder

[FiveMileFarmer]

hey guys!

I just ordered 2 blue laced red wyandotte and 2 cream leggier chicks to add to my flock (Buff Orp. hen, Barred Rock hen, and a RIR rooster). I can't wait! ...but i can't get them till april ):

anyway, here is my brooder I made yesterday. Any tips? comments? suggestions?





It's 3 feet long and about 1.5 feet deep. think that's enough for 4 chicks? It has a door that opens the whole front panel to make cleaning (and grabbing the little cuties) easier. also I made the heat lamp stand have an adjustable height with three different settings to regulate temperature more easily. inside, i made a tiny little roosting pole. what do you guys think? Thanks!

 

[UlmerChickens]

Wow!
Looks Great!
The only thing I would say to remember is for bedding maybe use wood chippings, not sawdust and put newspaper on the bottom.
And I am sure you know this but don't forget to put a heat lamp.
I love your idea for tiny roosting panels.
Other than that great job!

 

[junebuggena]

That will work great for about 3 or 4 weeks. After that space will start to get a bit tight, and they will be able to jump out.

 

[azygous]

It's a fine piece of workmanship. Just beautiful. I can smell the recently crafted wood from here.

Is this your first batch of chicks? Or will the chicks be joining a flock already in progress?

I will also point out that by three weeks, the chicks will have discovered how to hop up to the rim and escape. Maybe before. You need netting over the top.

 

[FiveMileFarmer]

Hey! thanks for the comments and suggestions! I appreciate it!

this is my second batch of chicks, they will eventually be joining my two hens and 1 rooster.

in terms of running out of space... maybe i can figure out a way to make an "add-on." ...and definitely add some kind of top!

...and since i am totally impatient, I just ordered a Brinsea mini eco incubator and 6 hatching eggs... hoping my wife doesn't kill me

!!!

thanks again!

hunter

 

[Naser]

That will work great for about 3 or 4 weeks. After that space will start to get a bit tight, and they will be able to jump out.

X2
Plus
I recommend using electric hen instead of heat lamp

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with Naser. Check out this article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors. The only other suggestions I have is that you put something in the front to block the shavings from falling out when you open the door. A 6" lip will keep the shavings in, and will also keep them from running out when you open that door. Also, do you have a top for it? You're gonna need one!

 

[KeyFlock]

Looks like a great little setup! Like the others said though, they'll grow out of it in a few weeks.

 

[AuntNomi]

hey guys!

I just ordered 2 blue laced red wyandotte and 2 cream leggier chicks to add to my flock (Buff Orp. hen, Barred Rock hen, and a RIR rooster). I can't wait! ...but i can't get them till april ):

anyway, here is my brooder I made yesterday. Any tips? comments? suggestions?





It's 3 feet long and about 1.5 feet deep. think that's enough for 4 chicks? It has a door that opens the whole front panel to make cleaning (and grabbing the little cuties) easier. also I made the heat lamp stand have an adjustable height with three different settings to regulate temperature more easily. inside, i made a tiny little roosting pole. what do you guys think? Thanks!

Looks nice!