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I use a reostat (?) and really like it, especially when we have days in the 80 & 90s and the nights go into the 50-60's. A lot of people start out in a smaller brooder, but find the chicks out grow it very fast. Think doubling in size every couple of weeks. That's where the intermediate...

Have you checked the temperature inside the brooder ? With a heat lamp, it may get too hot in there without the sun. Combined with the sun, it could be a killer. It definately needs more ventilation. Great design though.

Hardware cloth is the best, and plug up any holes. Snakes can climb, so hardware cloth just around the bottom would not do any good. Moth balls on the outside of the coop should be OK, but test how potent they are before putting the chicks inside.

Be careful where you put the mothballs. The fumes could be toxic to the chicks.

Yep, hardware cloth and a snug top should keep snakes out.

Southern Gardener, I feel soooooooooooo much better now. I was really worried for your birds. Good dog ! So many times new chicken owners just don't realize that everything likes chicken, and predators will try any way they can to get a chicken dinner. Your coop and landscape are beautiful...

Southern Gardener, The reason I ask is, although you have a really nice brooder, it is not predator proof. Unless you have a big dog that stays outside at night too, varmints can easily go over your fence, knock the top off the brooder, rip the chickenwire off the cage and/or reach through the...

Southern Gardener, Nice job. Where is the coop located at night ?

Sharkobeach, Nice looking brooder, but you need to rethink those two heat lamps in that small a space. They really only need heat at one end of the brooder, with room to move away at the other end if it gets too hot. If you are going to be brooding in the house, you may only need a 75-100 W bulb.

Terra, I like your brooders. I use a similar setup. One of the things I did that you might think about is to put the screws that hold the hardware cloth pointing up instead of down into the brooder. I have seen some rambunctious chicks jump around in the brooder and nearly impale themselves...

Hannah, I wish my husband's work shop was as organized as your husband's.

judymae, Did you get that screen to cover your brooder ? I have the same TV snack tables that your brooder light is clamped to, and they are not real steady. Also, the clamps on the light are not always reliable. If someone (or your cat or dog) hits the table or the light, it could easily...