Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Inside a well insulated, predator-proof shed, you can create a larger brooder space with
suspended heat lamps and a draft shield around the perimeter.
Keeping day-olds clean is easy with the addition of manure pans under the wire
mesh floor, and the longevity of the equipment is remarkable. With continuous use from
March to October, I've been able to get two to three years of use out of the manure pans,
and the feed and water troughs are in excellent shape after more than 10 years. Any leaks
that form in the water troughs can be sealed up with acrylic caulk.
Waterfowl are the hardest on metal tier brooders, as the moisture accumulated from
water play among ducklings and goslings and the very wet waste they produce decreases
the longevity of the manure pan. The average chickens can be kept on one of the brooder
tiers for about four weeks if started on day one. Waterfowl will be comfortably kept in
them for two to three weeks maximum.
Alternative brooder setups
can be as simple as having a confined space in a well-in-
sulated building and hanging heat lamps in various locations with a
draft shield
on the
floor. A draft shield might be foot-high boards or a bent metal roofing piece surrounding
the warmed brooding area, temporarily held in place by concrete blocks or buckets of
sand so it can be quickly removed as the birds grow. I have even constructed temporary
structures with bales of hay and straw. These creative brooders can expand as the birds
age. An area of about 6 by 6 feet (1.8 × 1.8 m) is just right for one hundred day-old
chicks. Enlarge the space each week as they grow and become more adventurous.
When building these makeshift brooders, use common sense to prevent over-heating
and chilling of the day-olds and to avoid fire dangers. The best litter for this situation is
large-size wood shavings. Fine straw can also be used, but make sure it can't be fluffed
up too close to the heat lamp. Do not use fine powdery sawdust. The area must also be
