Huge Laundry basket as a brooder?

[wyo-helpmeet]

I'm wondering (newbie, BTW) if I can use one of those utility sized laundry baskets as a brooder with a towel on the bottom, covered in pine shavings? I'm also planning on making a wood frame with chicken wire for the top to keep babies in & pets out. TIA!

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

I'm new too so someone else will have some answers for you I'm sure!

 

[mwdh1]

as long as the basket has solid sides (no holes) it should be fine. People on here use the rubbermade totes all the time for brooders.

 

[JennsPeeps]

I'd go with the large tote instead. That keeps down drafts. You'd also be surprised how teensy the babies are, and what size of a hole they can squeeze (or just walk) through.

 

[cmom]

A laundry basket is fine. Here is a great thread with lots of pics of brooders. It may give you some ideas.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6233

 

[Robin'sBrood]

I picked up a 45 gallon Rubbermaid tote to use for my main brooder. It was something like $10 and it worked like a charm.

But...

I have no babies left in my brooders, they're all in the tractor now.

 

[wyo-helpmeet]

Somewhere around page 30 of the brooders thread, I saw a "reformed" rabbit hutch. Since we're wanting to do meat rabbits at some time, I thought making a rabbit hutch would be PERFECT for chicks, then rabbits! THNX for link cmom, and I love your pics on your page!