The in-between stage

[splotchy1]

Our chicks are now 5-6 weeks old. We have three. They have been in a rabbit cage, but are acting very crowded. They are fairly feathered out, but not 100%. We are not getting our chicken coop for 2 more weeks, but I don't think they should be this crowded for 2 more weeks. It's still in the 30s here at night and we have a raccoon problem, so I don't want to do something makeshift outside.
Any ideas of how I can house them more comfortably for the next two weeks? We do have an attached greenhouse that is completely enclosed and safe from predators, but I don't want them free in there. I could create something bigger out there if I could figure out what that would look like. Any ideas?
Thanks!

 

[trilyn]

Here's a couple I'll throw at ya! One, go to an appliance store and see about taking away a refrigerator box or something else large. Two, go to your local hardware store and plunk down about 20.00 for some pegboard and zip ties. Have them cut the pegboard in 2x4 pieces and zip tie the corners together. It makes a very nice, portable brooder that will compact nicely for storage. Just plop this down on a tarp, dump your shavings, put your waterer and feeder and hang your light and voila! Brooder that will house your babies til the coop is done! Wanna see, check out my page, there's a partial pic of a pegboard brooder on there. Good luck and have fun!! Oh, throw some netting on top too, to keep their fuzzy butts in there!

 

[steward]

Good ideas trilyn, esp. the peg board!

 

[harveyhorses]

Wow I have the same problem. Only mine have learned 'flight' They can go out in the permanent run while I am there, but it's not nearly secure enough for night time yet. I like the box idea.

 

[imthedude]

large cardboard box with a window screen on top. i picked up two boxes from work, cut the common sides out of both, mated them together and bang there you go. picked up the screen at a local resale store for $0.50. works well for our 8 birds that are 5 wks.

 

[Keri78]

I used a pop up tent in my sunroom! Though a bag of shavings in there and WAHLAH!