Using a plastic storage container as a baby chick brooder

[MightyChickenJF]

I know there has been at least one thread on this a long time ago but I can't find it. I am thinking of using a plastic storage container/bin to contain my baby chicks. (Yes, I'm new at raising chickens.) I want to turn it upside down with the lid side open to the ground so the chicks can grow up having familiarized themselves with the ground they will be living on. (This will also cut down on feed costs as well as what is sometimes called "pasty butt" where the chicks' vents become clogged and they are unable to pass body waste.) Of course I will cut plenty of air holes in the bin as well as a flap to refill their water. Has anybody tried this?

 

[Sally PB]

If it's an opaque tote, it sounds like it might be dark and gloomy, no matter how many holes you cut in it. If it's clear, it could become way too warm. I might be misunderstanding what you are planning to do...

How many chicks are you going to have? They will get big, fast, and outgrow the space in the tote.

A dog crate would could give you the open bottom you're looking for, and give them plenty of light. The doors will give you access to the interior.

I've brooded chicks twice in a dog crate. I line it with sheets of cardboard, as the chicks can fit through the bars until they're 2-3 weeks old, or older.

 

[Iluveggers]

I like to use watermelon/pumpkin bins to brood. I cover the top with flexible garden fencing so they can’t fly out., and cut a side door in to open it if they want to come out. You could do this in the grass and leave the bottom piece of the bin out.

How will you heat the brooder if there is a top on it? Will it be inside of a predator-proof area? If not, I would 100% brood indoors.

Plastic tubs can work for a short amount of time, but the chicks outgrow it very quickly.

 

[MightyChickenJF]

Response:

1) The tote is clear, I did take into account the light issue and made sure to get a clear tote. I also bought the largest tote Home Depot carries, because I know that chicks grow fast.

2) The weather here stays relatively cold well into April, and also I am off grid so I have limited artificial heating options. I was thinking that the bin would hold heat better than say a traditional metal brooder.

3) Yes, the brooder will be inside the chicken run. I specifically made plans to construct the run first, then put the brooder inside of it. Fortunately I live in a prairie-type environment so flying predators such as hawks are unusual.

The tote will be placed with the lid side down (lid removed) and multiple air holes cut into the plastic. The air holes will help regulate heat and humidity inside the tote. Chicks start showing up at the local farm supply stores in late February, when it can easily get down into the 20s F at night.

 

[Sally PB]

Sounds like you're thinking ahead.

 

[nuthatched]

(This will also cut down on feed costs as well as what is sometimes called "pasty butt"

Can you explain the working behind this theory?
Are using heat at all?

 

[The Moonshiner]

We're still getting cold days here also. I'm still holding off on brooding in a brooder with a floor and heat lamp.
Maybe I'm crazy but I'm thinking it's not a wise plan to throw small chicks on the ground without any real heat source especially this early in the season.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

tip for anyone having trouble searching the forum, you can always google:

put your question here backyardchickens.com

and it will show all results from this website.

 

[Iluveggers]

Response:

1) The tote is clear, I did take into account the light issue and made sure to get a clear tote. I also bought the largest tote Home Depot carries, because I know that chicks grow fast.

2) The weather here stays relatively cold well into April, and also I am off grid so I have limited artificial heating options. I was thinking that the bin would hold heat better than say a traditional metal brooder.

3) Yes, the brooder will be inside the chicken run. I specifically made plans to construct the run first, then put the brooder inside of it. Fortunately I live in a prairie-type environment so flying predators such as hawks are unusual.

The tote will be placed with the lid side down (lid removed) and multiple air holes cut into the plastic. The air holes will help regulate heat and humidity inside the tote. Chicks start showing up at the local farm supply stores in late February, when it can easily get down into the 20s F at night.

Thanks for answering.

I worry that your brooder won’t be able to stay at 90 degrees (the heat new chicks need to survive). Limiting ventilation will keep the heat in, but also can make the chicks sick because of no ventilation.

If you decide to go ahead with your plan, I would get a battery operated thermometer to keep in the bin and check temperatures for a week or teo before deciding to purchase chicks.

Alternatively, you can look to buy a few hens, and when one goes broody let her raise chicks for you and no brooder or heat would be needed.

 

[The Birb King]

A bin could work if it wasn't too crowded and had enough ventilation. I like to use large wooden boxes I made with wire on the top and sides for air.