Chick Brooder question.

[springvalley123]

The last one I used, was the best. It's on sale:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/retriever-2-door-dog-wire-crate

Of course, I had to put up cardboard (or coroplast if you prefer) most of the way around, and hardware cloth in the front, to keep the shavings/straw in it. I brooded inside with some smaller heat bulbs--75-150 watt.

I've brooded outside too, but after the mail order chicks stabilized. I had to put gopher repellent on the extension cord, because a critter chewed through a cord once!

You can provide some extra draft protection, like cardboard or a tupperware bin on its side with bedding in it and a heavy rock to stabilize it, and they should like that for at least a month. My first experience was chicks straight from TSC to the outdoor coop/run/brooder, and that worked well. If you go that route, make sure that the chicks are using the shelter/heated area as planned though---I went to check on them and had to quickly revise it--they were afraid of the ramp to the heated area!

 

[SandyRiverChick]

This is a very long thread...... But year after year, it's the closest thread I can find for different brooder ideas and of course heating. Welcome, and ENJOY the babies, you're in the right place for information!! http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update

 

[Jo Anne]

We brooded our first 6 in a large cooler (removed the lid completely). We did have to cover it with a net by week 3 because they were able to fly out, but we moved them outdoors shortly after that.

Keep in mind- with the cardboard box suggestions I would be cautious if you plan to use a regular heat lamp. Use a brooder plate instead.

Yes, that’s always my concern when I see people using cardboard boxes and heat lamps