What's the best type of brooder ?

[Joe&Ali]

I am a first time chicken owner getting my babies end of may. I would love peoples opinions on the different types of brooders. My chicks will be in an insulated coop and I don't know if a heatlamp or the heating pad is best. And is it best to have them in a box or something instead of running free in the coop. Thanks for the help

 

[AKChickenMom]

I chose the MHP route because it was more similar to a broody hen, not a glaring 24 hr sun. I kept my 17 littles in a tote for a week because that is what I read about here. I quickly moved them into a 4'X8' plywood-based brooder in the garage because my coop isn't built yet and it's still cold here. I have limited experience but I think many people raising in totes or metal waterers are overheating their chicks and causing issues. I was probably just lucky but I didn't experience poopy butt or any other issue, with chicks shipped from MI to AK.

I won't use a heater in the coop. I keep the garage door open when I'm home, exposing them to 40-55 degree outside temps - they still have their MHP and an oil-filled heater at night. I plan on getting them outside on to thawing ground for a little bit this week to further acclimate them.

I don't have an existing flock, if you do then that adds a whole 'nother level.

 

[Pork Pie]

This link may help

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ek-brooding-and-supplementing-heat-for-chicks

 

[ChickNanny13]

Never regretted switching to MHP ... I usually keep them in a plastic bin with MHP for the first week in the house for observation. I then move them out to my brooder in the patio with the MHP, works great ... The brooder also works as my work station.

 

[Joe&Ali]

Thank you everyone for the help

 

[Clemmy]

for the bedding- do not use straw- can cause splayed legs, but other than that keep the brooder contained and simple.

 

[aart]

One that's of adequate size, with side door access.

I went thru several iterations of brooders and heat sources.
Built this beauty of a brooder which now only gets used for the first week or so,
because I brood in the coop for early integration using a psuedo heater plate.