Pack & Play - interim brooder? Plus sand/perches question....

[hennypennysmom]

Our 7 "assorted feather legs" (cochins we think) and Plymouth Rocks are getting big (nearly 2 wks and 1 wk) FAST! We've read about using a pack & play for an interim brooder while the coop is being built. Got one from a freecycler today.

We wondered how people retrofit it for chicks? I've seen some pictures here, but cannot see the bottom. Do you put some cardboard around the bottom to guard against drafts?

Also - I see little sandboxes in the pics of brooders. Is this any certain kind of sand (like do I have to buy it?)? Can I now put things in there that they can perch on?

They are growing like crazy and really trying to fly so they need something taller and bigger!

Advice or suggestions is greatly appreciated!

Kara

 

[Judy]

I have no idea what a Pack & Play is, but if there are drafts at the bottom, yes, at that age, I'd cover the spaces with something.

Any old sand is fine. Some people do buy play sand. I'd go for a drive to the river, myself.

 

[sbarab]

I used our pack n play for an outdoor play area when my chicks were small. I actually turned it upside down so they had access to the grass. I am sure it would make a fine brooder as well. Just make sure they are staying warm enough.

 

[RAWR]

idk what a Pack & Play is..but it sounds like fun

lol but anyway, for drafts and especially for that age, i would use cardboard, wood(you know, to block any cold air from getting in) or you could use anything that would keep out drafts. and with the sand, i would use a good, clean, fine sand. nothing fancy. and good luck with your chicks :]

 

[hennypennysmom]

A pack & play is a portable crib that folds up. It's low to the ground, but has tall sides so a child can't climb out of it....I'm trying to figure out how to cover the top - the sides are curved up like the ends of a crib - if I use hardware cloth, it would leave big holes where potential escapes could be made.....! I think I'm going to insert some cardboard on the sides to cut down on drafts.....

Kara

 

[RAWR]

oh! lol i know what a Pack & Play is! lol i think my mom used to put me in one..probly still would if they made them big enough..lol but what we've been doing when we take our 4 wk olds outside to play, at PetSmart, we bought this Puppy Play Pen thing and its big enough for them to run around and just be babies :] lol my mom calls them babies, but i think they're more like..chicken teens...Cheens!

lol