Warning: Don't use fiberglass around chickens!

[StinkyAcres]

I have always used window screens as lids to my brooders. Most of the time I use old aluminum screens I get for free, but this year I used a fiberglass screen that came off of one of my newer windows. That was a mistake! I noticed holes were being chewed through it and figured it was the resident rat. But then I moved the chicks and brooder to a different area and a huge hole formed where the chicks hop on top of the waterer, so it must have been made by the chicks! Fiberglass is nasty stuff and I can't imagine how bad it would feel in your mouth and throat! The chicks SEEM fine and the fiberglass mesh has been removed, but I won't be doing that again! I hope this prevents others from making the same mistake!

 

[Folly's place]

Glad we never tried to use that stuff! Here we made a hardware cloth top for our brooder, so nobody can get in or out.
Mary

 

[SourRoses]

I didn't know window screen mesh was made of fiberglass. Interesting.
FYI, be careful of the rat. I lost a 3 month old pullet to one last month

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, rats do kill chickens! Happened here too.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Oh yes, I do know rats are dangerous! Just ordered a roller trap because this one avoids the snap trap.

 

[SacredWaves]

Great idea to share! For those of us who never really thought about the screen, or the material it is made of .. this is welcome advice.