NorthTexasWink
Songster
I KISS. Keep It Simple, Sweetie! Cardboard edging about 16-20 inches high with minimal corners (roughly circular) over a waterproof tarp covered with 2-4 inches of large pine shavings. Paper towels laid over the shavings for the first few days to help avoid spraddly legs. Easy clean up. Pretty bio-friendly too. Cost effective.
I use thermostatically controlled seedling mats for heat, covered in thin fuzzy fabric (could be a thin flannel pillowcase)and draped over a low metal grate or piece of wire fence panel or something like that. I have some kind of old file sorter or maybe it's a cupboard rack that I repurposed. Makes them a little warm cave. I have a red bulb for a light fixture to use as pecking prevention and nightlight. It's not left near the bedding. I'm very aware of electrocution and fire risks. That's one reason we use the waterproof seedling mats. I also avoid hanging things over the brooder for fear of them falling in or on chicks, metal feeders, bedding, water.
I use jar lids or shallow clay plant pot saucers the first days for feed and water. Whatever I have around. After that I try to use whatever they will need to become accustomed to as adults, if possible. It seems easier for them to learn to accept new things while young, and I can be sure everyone is getting what they need.
My brooder has almost always been in either a seldom used shed, garage, or partitioned off area of the barn. This will be the first time I've done it in the house. It's an unused room this time of year, but still curious how long I'll be able to stand it.
I use thermostatically controlled seedling mats for heat, covered in thin fuzzy fabric (could be a thin flannel pillowcase)and draped over a low metal grate or piece of wire fence panel or something like that. I have some kind of old file sorter or maybe it's a cupboard rack that I repurposed. Makes them a little warm cave. I have a red bulb for a light fixture to use as pecking prevention and nightlight. It's not left near the bedding. I'm very aware of electrocution and fire risks. That's one reason we use the waterproof seedling mats. I also avoid hanging things over the brooder for fear of them falling in or on chicks, metal feeders, bedding, water.
I use jar lids or shallow clay plant pot saucers the first days for feed and water. Whatever I have around. After that I try to use whatever they will need to become accustomed to as adults, if possible. It seems easier for them to learn to accept new things while young, and I can be sure everyone is getting what they need.
My brooder has almost always been in either a seldom used shed, garage, or partitioned off area of the barn. This will be the first time I've done it in the house. It's an unused room this time of year, but still curious how long I'll be able to stand it.
Seems to me the more, the merrier! 
