Will this work as a brooder?

[CarolJ]

That would make a great brooder.

My favorite brooder is an extra large rubbermaid tote. I've had a bunch of chicks spend their first weeks in the one in the photo. I cut out the center of the lid and used plastic screening to cover it. Cheap and works great. After this picture was taken, I cut the screening to fit the hole and hot glued it on - works like a charm. And the screen isn't affected by the heat from the lamp.

 

[lblagden]

Will the large rubbermaid bins work for the entire first 5-6 weeks, or would I need to upgrade to something else partway through? I just want to make sure it's large enough to keep them happy right up until they're ready for the coop.

 

[clintdaniels83]

It would work. personally I go from incubator-> Rubbermaid container-> 4x7 indoor holding pin-> living with flock. But that's just my set up for them.

 

[clintdaniels83]

P.s cardboard always seems like a great idea til cleanup time.

 

[kynewbchickie]

If you have ever seen how many TSC fits in a tub that thing looks like a mansion for chicks! If it was me I would leave the top off and just put something like a screen on top of it so nothing gets in and its ventilated well. Good idea using it for chicken supplies later!

Our TSC just uses 4x2' metal water bins with pine shavings, a feeder, a large waterer, and a lamp - y'all's TSC sounds nicer than ours!

 

[kynewbchickie]

Just thought I'd share some photos of our brooder box, in case anyone wanted an idea of size/cost for a 16 sq.ft. x 2' high version. We have 30 chicks in it, used dividers at first, and they seem to really enjoy it. I'll also list the materials list.



1 - 4' x 4' sheet of 3/4" plywood
4 - 4' x 2' sheets of 1/4" plywood
1 - 8' length of 1" x 2" lumber
2 - 1/2" dowels




We suspended the heat lamp from one of the support beams with a galvanized steel chain and use a double-ended steel clasp (the same as a dog's leash clasp) in order to raise/lower the lamp height. It's stable and sturdy and easy to maneuver for temperature control. Right now at 10 days for the oldest chicks, weeklings for the youngest, it's at 19" from the pine litter and holding steady at 96-97 degrees and everyone's happy.



(Dinner, treat, petting, and preening time tonight)

This box took approximately $80.00, my cordless screwdriver/circular saw, 30 drywall screws, and 20 minutes to make. It's big enough for the time they'll have to be in there. The finished coop will probably be 6' x 10' and I'll post photos once we get it going.