Wondering how tall my brooder sides should be.

[Ptrow86]

They will fly out of that every time you lift the screen. Maybe you could improvise cardboard sides wrapped around it as they grow....

What are your thoughts on a refrigerator box?

 

[SueT]

What are your thoughts on a refrigerator box?

Yes, that's better. Should be easier to reach in as someone already mentioned.

 

[lazy gardener]

I hope you are a fast builder. Chicks grow very fast, and they will need to be in a coop by the time they are 4 weeks old. Recommended brooder size is 1 s.f. of open space per chick for the first 2 weeks, then 2 s.f. per chick for the next 2 weeks. after that, they are ready for coop and run, with standard recommendation for back yard flock: 4 s.f. in coop and 10 s.f. in run per bird.

I recommend an appliance box if you have not build a brooder. for single use, appliance boxes are great. for that many chicks, get a fridge box if you can get your hands on one, and then put some sort of screen over it. If you can't find a fridge box, you can always put 2 other appliance boxes together with zip ties. Check out brooding with a heating pad. Much safer, more natural, helps eliminate behavioral problems

 

[Ptrow86]

Hi all,
I apologize for posting this here but I'm having trouble figuring out how to make a new post. Any help would be appreciated. I finally got my chicks today! The kids love them. I got a polish surplus mix that doesn't specify what type of polish they are. I was wondering if anyone had any guesses. Pic to follow

 

[biophiliac]

I just got some large corrugated boxes, broke them apart and formed into a corral w/duct tape. [Can be enlarged by adding additional boxes as they grow.] Tarp underneath. About a week later added chicken wire cover on top.

 

[Ole rooster]

I made my brooder with an old roll up garage door. It's 4X4 with 18 inch side and a top. At 6 weeks old it's much to small for anything over 8-12 chicks.