post me your pics/plans for a brooder

[ducks4you]

My new coop will be about 8 x 10 x 6(sloping roof). We're tearing apart a playhouse and rebuilding.

Please post/email/PM me ANY and ALL plans for a brooder.

I want to build it so that I can do the following:
1) easy to clean
2) easy to get to and periodically use BUT not take up too much space--I will store baby chick feeders, grit, etc. when it's not in use
3) safe for a heat lamp--don't want any fires in my coop!!!!!!

I want to hear EVERYBODY's thoughts and ideas, even if your plan doesn't fit ALL of my requirements.

THX THX THX

 

[jimmoose]

Here is ours. Built from scrap 2x4s and left over hardware cloth it cost
nearly nothing. Its about 3 feet by 8 feet and will easily hold 25 new
chicks. We keep it inside for the first several weeks, then move it outside
and then the chicks move on to the outdoor pen by themselves.
Only thing that cost any money was the screws it was put together with.
Its light and can be moved by one person and you can put the heat
lights on top right on the hardware cloth. Its mostly used for geese
but the chickens worked in it also. Its nothing fancy and pretty simple.
Took about 3 hours and a circular saw, hammer and a screwgun.
jim

 

[brandytab]

Question - what do you put inside/under it for when it's in your house?

 

[jimmoose]

Quote:
We use the heavy paper that goes underneath hardwood floors. Its
somewhat ridged and won't soak through. Its cheap and readily available
at Home Depot or Lowes also. I think its called resin paper.
We just roll it up and into the trash or compost it.
jim

 

[ducks4you]

Thanks!

I am NOT a good builder, so I really need good ideas. When I am TOTALLY done, and have a few minutes---probably this Fall!!--I'll post pics of the finished product. I'm starting on the deconstruction of this playhouse (this weekend) that NEVER should have been moved to the cement right next to the house. You see, the bottom is rotting out. BUT, the structure is still sound because it still stands straight, and is holding up the asphalt shingles on the roof. So, I'm sure that we can take the bad wood and replace it with the same, but new. Also, it has windows on the west, south and east sides--GOOD ventilation possibilities.

I really like your supports--were they fence posts?

VERY sturdy!

I hadn't considered a recycle-able, like the resin paper--cool beans!
We recycle as much as possible.

 

[60ACRES]

If youre not handy with tools, get you an old table at a garage sale or freight salvage, turn it upside down, wrap it with chicken wire!


*Edit: of course, the cardboard box works well and easily replaced!

 

[ducks4you]

O M Gosh--that WOULD work, AND save some time, too. Thx

 

[DarkWolf]

Mine was a dog crate with cardboard around the inside walls and 1/4" hardware cloth suspended above the tray to allow the poo and wasted food to drop through. It worked well until they got bigger. At 5 weeks I moved them to a rubbermaid container.. Really need to finish the coop..

 

[ducks4you]

Cute chickies, too.;D
Isn't is funny how we are all bringing the babies in the house, just like farmers do, especially when they were weak?

 

[ducks4you]

DarkWolf, how did you suspend your 1/4" hardware cloth? Did you attach it to some 1 x 2's, or did you do something else? I know that my dog crates have a slick tray at the bottom of them.