New brooder

We made this yesterday so we could move our chicks from their Sterilite tote brooders out to the porch. The weather here is still too cold to have them right outside. The porch will be perfect though.

Looks roomy and efficient - lucky chicks!

Lucky chicks and lucky us! I have my laundry area/entryway back! And the house doesn't have that "chicken-y" smell anymore. :-) But yes, it was mainly for their benefit.

It's very modular. Four panels that are 4 feet by 18 inches for the sides. Two panels that are 4 feet by 26 inches for the top. The sides are clamped together, there is a blue tarp on the floor underneath, and the sides are lined on the inside of the brooder with vinyl flooring remnant held in place with good ole' duct tape. When we're done we'll just roll up the vinyl, unclamp the panels, and store it.

At night I move the two heat lamps next to each other in one corner, and cover the rest of the top with a couple blankets and an afghan to hold in the warmth. So far they seem quite happy.

I just love your new brooder. ^_^ Your chickies will love it.

My little chirps and Ms Pretty have been lovin theirs since March 23rd. These units are really quite functional and easy to make too.

Texas your brooder looks like a very efficient design with a minimum of materials. How did you construct the bottom corners?

What porkpal said, please? I have such trouble keeping sides/corners together. I end up with so much wood that my structures will be where I go in case of tornado. They ain't goin' nowhere...

Okay, great, I see how that would work! Like Catmad my constructions keep needing another board here or a brace there. I admire the simplicity and economy of your design.