Possible Brooder

[ashyndin]

I found a man with a few of these crates. I bought this one that is 30in x 28 in and he has some that are 3ft x 6ft that i think i am going to buy to add on to my coop. My idea for this crate is to make a Plexiglass hinged top, add a ceramic light fixture, drill 4 2in holes for ventilation and have indoor out door turf for the flooring. Does this plan seem feasible? Any suggestions?

 

[loveourbirds]

you can do that, it will only be good for about 10-12 chicks tops. it appears tall enough that you could cut it in half and make 2 out of it if that helps any.

 

[Granny Hatchet]

good find !! stuff like that is hard to come by. i wonder if the holes will be enough ventilation ? i used a floor vent made for the house. they are cheap and pretty easy to use. it gives me more control over their temps too. have fun !

 

[SIMZ]

Yes! I have a shipping crate that is around 4 X 3 X 3 and it works very well for a brooder. I just use shavings and don't need a plexiglass lid. When it's really cold in the garage I put a blanket over the top (or piece of plywood) to block drafts and keep the heat in.

When I'm not hatching chicks I keep all of my feed and supplies in the box. Dual-purpose!

 

[ashyndin]

the only reason for the plexiglass lid is for my 7 year old daughter. she loves to watch the chicks. i will be keeping the brooder in the house but i like the idea of the house vents, if i don't use that idea i may move up to a larger vent hole, like a doorknob drilling bit. what watt light should i use? i was thinking at least a 60watt.

 

[aart]

Set up your light and test with a thermometer to start....then just watch the chicks, if they are moving al around the brooder and only huddling under light to sleep, that's about right. Make sure there's a place that is cooler for them to get away from the heat if they need to. I use a dimmer switch cord to adjust the output of a 60 watt bulb and it was plenty in a 65 degree room in the house.

 

[ashyndin]

Set up your light and test with a thermometer to start....then just watch the chicks, if they are moving al around the brooder and only huddling under light to sleep, that's about right. Make sure there's a place that is cooler for them to get away from the heat if they need to. I use a dimmer switch cord to adjust the output of a 60 watt bulb and it was plenty in a 65 degree room in the house.

good idea on the dimmer, i will use that.

 

[ashyndin]

Ok its done and I got her 4 barred rock pullets for her

 

[Granny Hatchet]

looks awesome !!

 

[trooper]

Set up your light and test with a thermometer to start....then just watch the chicks, if they are moving al around the brooder and only huddling under light to sleep, that's about right. Make sure there's a place that is cooler for them to get away from the heat if they need to. I use a dimmer switch cord to adjust the output of a 60 watt bulb and it was plenty in a 65 degree room in the house.

What you have done looks great.The only thing I see that I would change would be the light.I recommend getting the red light that is used to keep chickens warm.It isn't as bright and it is made to be used as a heat lamp.I got mine at TSC but I imagine that you can get them any where they sell farm supplies.