Raised Platform for Waterer and Feeder to keep bedding dry and clean!

[RoosterML]

I am thinking of building a raised platform or some type of screen deck to put under the waterer and feeder in my brooder to help keep bedding clean and dry. What size screen/hardware cloth would you recommend? I'm thinking something along the lines of 1/8"or1/4" hardware cloth/screening. Any issues with potential injury to chicks feet?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I just used bricks and it kept everything as neat as it could be.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I use plywood to raise the waterer like this and keep it from turning over, I just fill the bowl with rocks so they can walk on the rocks and not drown when I use it for baby chicks. They will poop in this water so it has to be changed daily.

But as you can see, the floor is hardware cloth so wire can work. This is 1/2" hardware cloth and is sometimes used for babies so as far as I'm concerned 1/2" will work but I don't do bantams.

There is a potential issue with wire. Depending on the manufacturing process some wire can have sharp nibs sticking out that can chew up chickens feet. Not all have those sharp nibs but some do, sometimes from welding the wire but usually from the hot dip galvanizing. Those should all be on one side so check the wire and face the sharp nibs down if your wire has them. Problem solved. Or get rubber coated wire.

The 1/2" hardware cloth floor in my brooder and grow-out coop allows poop to fall through until the chicks get a certain size, usually somewhere around 12 to 14 weeks old. Then the poop starts to build up on top of the wire. That will happen earlier with smaller mesh.

 

[blackdog043]

I make a platform out of wood, 2 x 3's and underlayment, it works well. I wouldn't use wire of any kind for chicks.

 

[Eilsel]

I don't have a picture but when I brooded ducks I put a cooling rack on a sheet pan and put their water on that to keep the bedding dry. Easy to pull out and dump, and the rack was smoother and stiffer than wire.

 

[chickens really]

I also use Bricks..

 

[aart]

1/8"or1/4" hardware cloth/screening. Any issues with potential injury to chicks feet?

Toes getting stuck.

I use 8 and 16oz sour cream containers filled with sand.

 

[RoosterML]

I made this out of aluminum window screen to set under the waterer. Should be safe for them to walk on and still let any drips fall through. I'll put a 5gallon bucket lid under screen to catch any water.

 

[Mimi13]

Toes getting stuck.

I use 8 and 16oz sour cream containers filled with sand.
View attachment 1667671

View attachment 1667673

And I use an ice cream tub!

What does that tell you about me?

 

[RoosterML]

I ordered some vertical nipples to try for the chicks. That is why I would like something under to catch the drips and not soak the bedding.