Need design help for breeder coop

[patandchickens]

no prob -- page 69, sez for 2x2 hover: 125 Watts (total - he recommends using 2 bulbs, each half the wattage) in subfreezing weather, or 75 total Watts in above-freezing weather.

(that is the initial wattage - decreased when chicks are older)

Pat

 

[LoneCowboy]

Sweet!! Ok, our temps have been awful so I guess I'll go to the 125 watt. Tempted to put lights on eack side 2 for low temps 2 for higher, so I can just flip on the ones I want.

I feel better now.

 

[coloradochick]

Ok D, don't run this one by Grouchy and just do it. And was that "you might need it someday" remark aimed at me?

Why would I put myself through all that when I have you just a hop, skip, and a peep away.

 

[patandchickens]

I notice that the link I gave you was for a lightweight, aluminized bubblewqrap hover for broiler chicks... did you read on to where he recommends a plywood one for non broiler breeds, so they can roost on top? (That is what I meant to link to, sorry!)

Basically you make same thing but outta 1/2" plywood (sides are 12" hi), and with top of box recessed 4" below tops of sides - can then pile shavings on for xtra insulation, plus gives birds somewhere to practice hopping onto roost type thing when theyre a little older. And he uses porcelain light sockets, attatched 4" above bottoms of sides (that is, attached on the inside sides of box) using plastic electrical boxes on outside rather than just screwing into flimsy plywood. In book, he discusses use with draft guards for drafty environments as well.

Hope this helps,


Pat

 

[LoneCowboy]

I goes on to talk about the plywood one, but it says it's 1/4" Plywood or 1/8" press board, and 3" above the bottom. Is it different for the 2' one I wonder?

 

[LoneCowboy]

Oh yeah, remember this ColoradoChick, I'm doing all this to keep your babies nice and warm and healthy

He said I could build it. He's all grumpy about my discover card bill though.

 

[coloradochick]

I know you are and I appreciate it more than you know

I can't wait to pick the babies up so I can see all of your girls and the new arrivals. By the way how are they doing?


p.s. you're not telling grouchy that I'm calling him grouchy are you

 

[patandchickens]

no, the book doesn't give separate instructions for different sizes, I think there's just a little inconsistency between the essay on the website and the chapter in the book is all. I doubt 1" makes any difference

Pat

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

We have been using the wooden insulated ones for 3 years with wonderful results.
We brood our chicks in old horse stalls with these brooders. We use no extra heat, just close the stall up with plywood and plastic. It is by no means air tight. If there are strong drafts, we use a plastic draft blocker on 1 or 2 sides of the brooder. We don't attach them to the brooder, we use them like the cardboard circles you can buy to brood chicks. Just to block off the extra air.

Our chicks are healthier when they can heat regulate themselves freely. I just watch where they are sleeping (under the brooder or outside the edges), and change the size of the bulbs accordingly. I like to have them all around the edge, just under the brooder.

as they grow, they will roost on top, I continue to have the lights turned on, so their little feet stay warm while on top of the brooder.

This brooder is definitely worth the time to make.

Jean

 

[LoneCowboy]

What do you mean the insulated one? The one with the bubble wrap stuff? What size do you use? I'm going to build it today so if you have any other hints, I'd love to hear them. Do you worry about it catching fire at all?