Outdoor brooder .tidewater. Va. Just some pics. Feel free to critique.

[nick bulger]

Are you using welded hardware cloth for your fencing? Have it closed in on the top as well? Otherwise, not pred proof. Good job.

1x2 wire on thefence. I used hardware on the brooder. I have a tarp over the top now. I have been lucky enough not to have had predators at this property...that being said there are dogs on all the surronding properties. I just got to keep them in the yard lol

 

[debid]

I had a lot of trouble NOT overheating an outdoor brooder once the days were nearing 80. I used a 100W bulb at one end and still had to shut it off on sunny days (and remember to turn it back on at dusk!)

I switched to a heating pad hen and that worked much better for the temperature swings because it's only 50W on high so it doesn't throw off nearly the heat but they get plenty by contact when they need it.

 

[debid]

Oh, and we have too many snakes here for that setup. They can get in through 1x2 and rat snakes are amazing climbers.

ETA: nevermind, I misunderstood. You have hardware cloth over the brooder, 1x2 on the yard.

 

[lazy gardener]

I am also fond of heating pad brooding b/c it is not apt to overheat the brooder, and the chicks can much more easily self regulate their exposure. And they get a natural day/night cycle.

 

[nick bulger]

Oh, and we have too many snakes here for that setup. They can get in through 1x2 and rat snakes are amazing climbers.

ETA: nevermind, I misunderstood. You have hardware cloth over the brooder, 1x2 on the yard.

My main problem Is hoodlums...

 

[nick bulger]

I wanted to us4 the heating pad but i couldnt find a king size one. I have 27 in there now and 20 about to move in...how much pad do i need for 50 birds? What aboit an electric blanket folded up?

 

[lazy gardener]

I wouldn't trust an electric blanket folded, unless you had a small one. They make them in a lap warmer size. Then, you'd still have to put it on a frame, and close the frame and blanket in with a secure over-covering to keep them from crawling between the layers. the thing is that the heating pads are water proof. And the one that people are using is machine washable, though an electric blanket would be washable also. Let us know if you decide to go that route, and let us know how it works. I brooded 46 with 2 XL (ea 12 x 24) and a L 12 x 15. It was very crowded, but they made it through ok.

 

[debid]

Are you expanding the space when you add? It looks too small for 50 after the first week. Why are you not starting them in the coop?

 

[nick bulger]

I have 9 new hampshires. My coop used to be my neices swing set its not ideal but it only cost me a roll of hardware wire. I have since changed the left side to replicate the right. The only way in is through the roof/egg collecting hatch. But...i am acquiring about 15 Louver doors and I plan on replacing the louvers with Hardware wire...soo something will happen in the coming week or so.

Are you expanding the space when you add? It looks too small for 50 after the first week. Why are you not starting them in the coop?

 

[nick bulger]

So i made the area bigger and added more feed bunks. It is now aboit 90 sq ft. I also built a small coop and run to move the older birds outside...i added 23 RIR also.