Storage bin or metal pen for brooder/pros and cons

[SuseyQ]

I'd like to know what the pros and cons are for using a storage bin or something similar to this when brooding quail as compared to the pros and cons of using some type of a metal pen (could use other material such as wood) for the brooder.

Thank You,
SuseyQ

 

[Bailey1204]

I don't know any specifics on quail but here are the general ups and downs
Metal-
Pros
-reflects heat to keep warm
-metal can't catch on fire
-is easy to clean and water repellent
Cons-
-metal can overheat
-can be slippery
Plastic-
Pros-
-easy to clean
-light weight
Cons-
Plastic has been known to melt
-can cause fumes
-is slippery

I have never used either as I used a wooden box, it worked quite well. I have heard good and bad things about both. Ultimately it's up to you and what you think is right.

 

[SuseyQ]

Bailey1204,
That gives one a lot to think about. I suspect metal is only considered slippery if it is solid or can they slip on hardware cloth type material.

Thank you for you analysis,
SuseyQ

 

[Bailey1204]

Yeah if you put hardware cloth or something on metal will be fine for slipperinees.

 

[SuseyQ]

Ok, I don't want to have any splayed legs because of slipperiness. I thought the hardware cloth would prevent this. Too bad they don't have neat excrement like rabbits. That would be nice.

 

[Bailey1204]

Sorry I said that wrong! LOL! What I meant was this. Metal alone is too slippery, but if you put hardware cloth or cheesecloth or something on top it will be fine.

 

[Bailey1204]

Basically, if you put hardware cloth on metal you can use metal.

 

[Sill]

Size is a consideration. If you can get a bigger brooder use it. You don't want to crowd your chicks as this can cause aggression and picking so more space is always better. You can always start with a smaller brooder and move them to bigger as they grow. I have plastic totes and a metal horse trough that I use, they all work and are easy to clean. Just hose them out. I've never used wood, not sure how you would clean it.

 

[SuseyQ]

Sill,
Good to know that breed size can and should change with growth patterns. I didn't know that even the chicks would get aggressive. I suspect metal would be the option other than a tote.

Thank You,
SuseyQ

 

[Tabasco Jack]

I use a large plastic tote for the first few days while the new ones are in the laundry room. I line it with newspaper and then paper towels and some rubber shelf liner over that. Have to change it daily as it gets wet and messy.
The outside brooder is a 2' x 4' wood box that is about 2 feet tall. It has an attached 1/2" hardware cloth bottom over a dropping pan. I made an insert of 1/4" hardware cloth that goes over the attached cloth for two weeks until they get big enough to walk on the 1/2" wire.

Yeah, the wood gets messy. Between broods, I hose it and scrub it real good.

On another note, did you see the post in Show me your Quail Pens from Gardenisto?
Here's a link to his website with photos of his quail pen. http://www.gardenisto.com/projects/quail-coop-revisions/
He's in Wyoming so y'all have similar weather issues. Might be some ideas for you.