Hello all,
I have researched a lot in the forums and asked many questions so I could be prepared for our 6 chicks when they arrived the first week in May (except they came the first week in April so that put me in scramble mode). I have a plan for the coop/run and its construction will begin next weekend. I was a little unsure what I was going to do for a brooder but since the chicks came a month early I had to start with a plastic 50 gal tote which I think is to small already.
For a more long term brooder I was going to use a large cardboard box(watermelon box). With all my research I learned there could be a need special housing for a chicken if it becomes sick or injured and needs to be isolated from the flock so that made me come up with the "Stow Away Brooder". My brooder gives me plenty of room to raise my chicks until they are ready for the coop then I can break it down and store it incase I need it in an emergency.
The Stow Away Brooder is 3'w x 5'l x 31" h from the ground. Here is a picture of it assembled.
What makes my brooder unique is it can be dis assembled and all parts are stored within the broken down brooder. When it is broken down the dimensions are 3'w x 5'l x 8"h and only weighs in at 30 lbs. Here is a picture of it stowed away. And a picture showing all components stored inside.
The brooder is made up of the Base, Legs, Sides and Top. Here are pictures of the base. The base has two sets of rabbet joints cut into it. One set is where the sides fit into and the other is where the top and base fit together. Here is a picture of the rabbet joints.
Under the base there are pockets where the legs slide into. Here are pictures of the pockets and a leg installed in the pocket then all legs installed. You can also see the luggage latches n the pictures. This is what is used to keep it secured in the stowaway position.
Next are the sides. The sides are made out of 1/4" underlayment.
All that's left is to put the top on. The top also has two sets of rabbet joints to allow for the sides and the base.
So if space may be a concern this may be an option for you. Hope you all like it.
I have researched a lot in the forums and asked many questions so I could be prepared for our 6 chicks when they arrived the first week in May (except they came the first week in April so that put me in scramble mode). I have a plan for the coop/run and its construction will begin next weekend. I was a little unsure what I was going to do for a brooder but since the chicks came a month early I had to start with a plastic 50 gal tote which I think is to small already.
For a more long term brooder I was going to use a large cardboard box(watermelon box). With all my research I learned there could be a need special housing for a chicken if it becomes sick or injured and needs to be isolated from the flock so that made me come up with the "Stow Away Brooder". My brooder gives me plenty of room to raise my chicks until they are ready for the coop then I can break it down and store it incase I need it in an emergency.
The Stow Away Brooder is 3'w x 5'l x 31" h from the ground. Here is a picture of it assembled.
What makes my brooder unique is it can be dis assembled and all parts are stored within the broken down brooder. When it is broken down the dimensions are 3'w x 5'l x 8"h and only weighs in at 30 lbs. Here is a picture of it stowed away. And a picture showing all components stored inside.
The brooder is made up of the Base, Legs, Sides and Top. Here are pictures of the base. The base has two sets of rabbet joints cut into it. One set is where the sides fit into and the other is where the top and base fit together. Here is a picture of the rabbet joints.
Under the base there are pockets where the legs slide into. Here are pictures of the pockets and a leg installed in the pocket then all legs installed. You can also see the luggage latches n the pictures. This is what is used to keep it secured in the stowaway position.
Next are the sides. The sides are made out of 1/4" underlayment.
All that's left is to put the top on. The top also has two sets of rabbet joints to allow for the sides and the base.
So if space may be a concern this may be an option for you. Hope you all like it.
