Temporary indoor coop due to weather, need help?!

[Olgab311]

Due to the recent amount of snow here in MN I have been unable to finish constructing my outdoor coop. My pullets (6 weeks) arrive in about 2 weeks. Any thoughts on how to create a temporary 'coop' area in my basement? It is in the 50's Fahrenheit in that area, so unsure if I need a heat lamp or not.
So far thinking I could use my plastic dog kennel as part of it, with out the gate....but from there unsure. Thinking may need to only keep them in this area for a week or two. Suggestions on enclosure to build? Heating?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If the pullets will be day old chicks, the basement won't be warm enough. If they will be 5 weeks old or more it may be.
I would go to Lowe's and get some large moving boxes that are about $1.40 each. You can cut doorways between them and add as many boxes as you need depending on how many chicks and their age. You can put heat in one box, food and water in others.
If baby chicks, you'll need to put the food and water in the same box as the heat initially till they get more exploratory.

 

[Cryss]

Your pullets should be already conditioned for cold weather. My breeder drops the temp for them till they have their feathers then starts taking them outside a bit. He doesn't turn them over to me until they can stay outside for a full week in his coop. I'm in NJ, had 4 nor'easters, never heated my coop. If you warm them now they won't be able to adjust to outdoors easily. 50 isn't that cold. I vote don't heat them. Just keep them dry, watch for condensation.

 

[Olgab311]

If the pullets will be day old chicks, the basement won't be warm enough. If they will be 5 weeks old or more it may be.
I would go to Lowe's and get some large moving boxes that are about $1.40 each. You can cut doorways between them and add as many boxes as you need depending on how many chicks and their age. You can put heat in one box, food and water in others.
If baby chicks, you'll need to put the food and water in the same box as the heat initially till they get more exploratory.

They will be 6 weeks and feathered, thoughts on that?

 

[Olgab311]

Your pullets should be already conditioned for cold weather. My breeder drops the temp for them till they have their feathers then starts taking them outside a bit. He doesn't turn them over to me until they can stay outside for a full week in his coop. I'm in NJ, had 4 nor'easters, never heated my coop. If you warm them now they won't be able to adjust to outdoors easily. 50 isn't that cold. I vote don't heat them. Just keep them dry, watch for condensation.

Suggestions on an enclosure area in the basement? Just pine shavings, etc?

 

[PollyGirl21]

Olgab311, I suggest a dog kennel, like you said. If you also have a great dane Kennel that would give them even more space. you can use cardboard boxes for the nest boxes.

 

[PollyGirl21]

also try nailing some plywood together or something to make the walls.

 

[Cryss]

I've used a wire dog crate for 2. How many? If you need a bigger area maybe a fence thingy they use for babies and puppies would work. I'd just not want them getting into areas that might be a danger like electric outlets, furnace, storage of paint/oil/whatever. Pine shavings is a good choice.

 

[PollyGirl21]

If you have a closet in your basement you could use that, that would make things way easier for ya

 

[Ridgerunner]

I agree with Canoe's ages for heat. By 5 weeks of age they can handle those temps.

Another source for a cardboard box would be an appliance store. They might have some big ones they will give away. To keep the poop from staining your basement floor I'd put a layer of cardboard under the brooder and cover it with bedding like wood shavings, straw, or hay to give the chicks something to grip so they don't slip and slide on slick cardboard. That should make clean-up fairly easy.

To me that has great potential. The best brooder is one big enough so you provide a warm enough spot and let the rest cool off as it will. My brooder is outside and I sometimes find ice in the far end, but one end is kept toasty.

There are many different ways to create a warm spot. Heat lamps, heating pads, heat plates, and various other stuff can work. With any of them be careful how you set them up, any time you use electricity you have a potential for fire or shock. I use heat lamps and the first thing I do is throw away that clamp so I'm not tempted to use it. Wire the heat lamp in place so it cannot possibly fall.

I see you posted later info, six weeks old. Forget heat, just provide enough light so they can see to eat and drink. And provide a lot of room. They will be able to fly really well so keep then contained. Maybe make a wire cover to go over t least part of the brooder to let light in.