Pop up Excersise Pen/Kennel for Brooder

[Kholts]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone has used something like a pop up tent/pet kennel as a brooder?

I’m talking something like this:


I was just looking for something big enough for around 9 chicks and was hoping to not have to worry about switching to anything else before they are feathered enough for the coop. Also easy storage when not in use would be a nice and I was thinking it could serve as the Bird Hospital if I ever have to nurse a chicken back to health.

I was also wanting to make sure it’s completely enclosed to ensure no escaped birds and no cats getting in. Thinking I’ll use a tarp on the bottom (just to ensure no leaks into fabric)and pine shavings. The brooder will be in my house and I am going to use a mama heat plate.

My only question is am I missing any possible issues? Do you think the chicks will peck through the screen/mesh eventually and escape?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Are you sure "only 9" For 9 it should work but Chicken Math may creep in.

 

[paneubert]

Yep. Started brooding on Thursday. 9 would be pushing it for size if you need them in it for more than a few weeks.

Below is the evolution from puppy pee pads to recycled pulpy paper over the past 3 days. Last photo shows the netting lid I made that is just clipped to the sides and weighed down at the front and back by some wood I stapled to the roof netting.

 

[Kholts]

Are you sure "only 9" For 9 it should work but Chicken Math may creep in.

Haha well I only plan to keep 4 pullets. I’m getting 7 chicks to give me a buffer for non wanted cockerels which I’ll sell and if they all turn out to be pullets( ya right! I’m not THAT lucky) then I’ll hand pick which ones we like and get to stay and the rest get sold.

I’m also getting 2 duckling which I’ll prob house separately.

Sooo the number 9 I gave is my chicken math lol!

Yep. Started brooding on Thursday. 9 would be pushing it for size if you need them in it for more than a few weeks.

Below is the evolution from puppy pee pads to recycled pulpy paper over the past 3 days. Last photo shows the netting lid I made that is just clipped to the sides and weighed down at the front and back by some wood I stapled to the roof netting.

Perfect! You like the setup so far?

The one I’m looking at comes with a zipped up lid which is why I was looking at it.

 

[Relleoms]

This is working well for us thus far. Hope to move them to a bigger spread in the coop next week.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Heck of idea as a brooder glad you thought to make it a thread

 

[Relleoms]

Yep. Started brooding on Thursday. 9 would be pushing it for size if you need them in it for more than a few weeks.

Below is the evolution from puppy pee pads to recycled pulpy paper over the past 3 days. Last photo shows the netting lid I made that is just clipped to the sides and weighed down at the front and back by some wood I stapled to the roof netting.

Are they using the horizontal nipples yet?

 

[paneubert]

Are they using the horizontal nipples yet?

Off and on. Figure it doesn't hurt to get them used to them alongside the classic open waterer. They will be forced to use the nipples when they go outside. Maybe sooner if I get up the nerve to take away the open waterer at some point.

 

[Relleoms]

Off and on. Figure it doesn't hurt to get them used to them alongside the classic open waterer. They will be forced to use the nipples when they go outside. Maybe sooner if I get up the nerve to take away the open waterer at some point.

Hmmm, I might have to add one to mine, too. I just assumed they weren’t strong enough to peck the pin yet which is why I have a vertical nipple. No harm in having both, I suppose. I only have horizontal in the coop because they have to be heated, so the sooner they can use them, the sooner they can go outside!

 

[ChickNanny13]

They don't peck the silver pin, I thought they did to but mine seems to peck under it, moving the lever up, expelling the water. Make sure you vent the container, couldn't figure out why the water stopped coming out ... Hubby told me ha ha