Thanks for posting this. Great, clear video! When we're making a push on rabbits for a special dog food order, I often struggle with too many growouts in my 4x8 pen. This would be a great way to put them out on pasture and then be able to put the pen away easily when we're back to the slower subsistence pace.
Great build! Just a time saving tip, next time drill a hole with a proper size bit at the end of each slot. That way you only have to make 2 cuts on each slot and you don't have to chisel the slivers out.
I have watched alot of videos on chick brooders. I am off grid and use solar/battery power. There are alot of good ideas out there but yours, praise the Lord, is exactly what I am looking for. The chicks need to be in there until ready to go outside...6 weeks or so. Thank you for the inexpensive, reusable brooder idea.
This was seriously the simplest, most cost efficient brooder box we’ve ever done! Hands down beats all of the other DIY totes, boxes, etc we’ve tried. Thank you!!
I built this last spring, but used two sheets of plywood to double the size of the brooder, 4’ x 4’. I’m now going to build this size because I did my first hatching with only nine chicks, just as a test. Thanks for this! Oh, i’m going to make a top this one as well. I may film it, and if so, I’ll leave a link.
How did you deal with the fact that the bottom sheets, for each one in descending order, the cut-out area will be a little bit shorter because of the way the circular blade cuts.
I just got some pallets and nailed a 4 foot 2x4 into each corner and wrapped around them with hardware cloth. Cardboard for the bottom and part way up the sides and called it good. Virtually free and took no time really
Not at all, especially as they get larger. You could always cut a second set of notches to allow you to run it 2x4 for a while before opening it up to 4x4.
@TheMindfulHomestead can you explain how or where I would cut to make this 4x4? I can't picture it in my head! I assume I'd need a second 4x8' sheet correct?
@@HaltWhoGoesThere If you’re looking at the sheet in a portrait orientation, you’re going to make horizontal cuts across the sheet at 2, 4, and 6 feet from the bottom edge. That will give you 4 pieces of wood that are 2 feet tall and 4 feet long.
How many chicks max in a 4 x 4 do you think? I'm getting 35 in June and was just wondering if mine was big enough. Mine is actually a kiddy swimming pool lol
@@TheMindfulHomestead Well I have a horse stall but I was wondering if I should close up a little section like that or if I give them the full space it would be too cold. I usually get them in May and its too cold to give them a full stall. I'm getting them in June this time. Been trying to figure this out.
@@HerEcolife You could use a small pen at first, in the stall, then simply open up one side and let them roam as they like inside the stall. If they get cold, they'll come back and huddle within the three walls of the pen. @The Mindful Homestead has the perfect design here for exactly that sort of set up. A 4x4 will get crowded and mucky fast with that many meat birds. I'm in New England and wait until July to get chicks so I can keep them in tractors on pasture with little need for heat beyond the first two weeks.
For someone that overthinks (almost?) everything, I find that your design is a simple and effective fix to what many people (myself included) spend way too much time trying to get done.
@@TheMindfulHomestead a brooder needs to be able to take your chicks from biddies needing heat to fully feathered and ready for mild weather without a lamp. I supposer if you put a 4 sided box in your heated garage it might be OK but still will need a heat lamp. Where is the floor? Where is the roof? Come on, honestly have you ever had a racoon or rat kill all your chicks? A brooder has to be able to protect birds until they can go outside. You should perhaps relabel the video as one where you can put together the *sides* of something that might eventually be a full blown brooder, but I think this may mislead people who are new to chickens.
@@fordguyfordguy We use these literally every year on over 200 Cornish cross and 30 turkeys. 25k views and no complaints besides yours. Thanks for watching.
What are your favorite animals to raise that need a brooder? We like chickens, but may have a new favorite.
Thanks for posting this. Great, clear video! When we're making a push on rabbits for a special dog food order, I often struggle with too many growouts in my 4x8 pen. This would be a great way to put them out on pasture and then be able to put the pen away easily when we're back to the slower subsistence pace.
Yea, it's a great "overflow" brooder/pen.
I realize I am kinda off topic but do anybody know of a good place to stream newly released series online?
Another quick easy trick would be to drill out the end and then cut to your hole easy breezy
@@dwaynelejeune3508 Yup. I’ve actually been using a jig saw and just making the turn from each side. I really should do an update on this video.
Pricing out the ply wood 3 years after this video was posted makes me cry
I just got a 1/2 inch 8x4ft ply wood sheet at Lowe’s for 15$
Great build! Just a time saving tip, next time drill a hole with a proper size bit at the end of each slot. That way you only have to make 2 cuts on each slot and you don't have to chisel the slivers out.
Genius
I have watched alot of videos on chick brooders. I am off grid and use solar/battery power. There are alot of good ideas out there but yours, praise the Lord, is exactly what I am looking for. The chicks need to be in there until ready to go outside...6 weeks or so. Thank you for the inexpensive, reusable brooder idea.
This was seriously the simplest, most cost efficient brooder box we’ve ever done! Hands down beats all of the other DIY totes, boxes, etc we’ve tried. Thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Made one today and I think it’s great, plywood cost is outrageous but it’s just what I needed. Great video
Yea. Prices have gone up substantially. Maybe it’s time to remake this video.
@@TheMindfulHomestead I made a third one yesterday. It cost me about $30, so still not too shabby. It was cheaper than the ones I built last year.
I built this last spring, but used two sheets of plywood to double the size of the brooder, 4’ x 4’. I’m now going to build this size because I did my first hatching with only nine chicks, just as a test. Thanks for this! Oh, i’m going to make a top this one as well. I may film it, and if so, I’ll leave a link.
Thank you for sharing this. I just finished mine and it’s a great size and easy to put together and works great! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love this! I will definitely have to put my husband to work before my new chicks get here.
Thanks, this video gave me a great idea to help my 5 week chicks. Made mine a 3 ft tall tho.
Awesome idea! I'm going to make one that's 2x4 so I have enough for a bottom. Love it!
Thank you so much!!! I made this brooder today. Awesome!
Late seeing this video. Love this idea. Will be making one for our layers and meat birds. Thank you Jack
It’s prefect for that! Let us know how it goes.
Thanks Man! I made this today and it worked out great!
Great job,gonna build it, starting my own chicks this spring, wanna raise my own protein source!!! chickens I KNOW HOW TO DO!!!
i live in florida, we just stick them in the garage and its good enough lol
What a great idea. I really like it. Thanks for sharing
Worked perfectly! Thank you!
Good idea thanks for sharing.
great idea! thanks for sharing!
Awesome idea! Just what i was looking for
How many chicks will fit and until about how old you think?
How did you deal with the fact that the bottom sheets, for each one in descending order, the cut-out area will be a little bit shorter because of the way the circular blade cuts.
Great build!
Thanks! Hopefully it helps out!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing this
Glad you liked it! Hopefully it helped you out!
Is 4 by four big brought for 17 chicks
I love this! I have been needing something slightly smaller for our chicks. That is simple enough you can do it pretty fast too.
Awesome! Glad it works for you!
This video is very helpful, Thank you. I would like to find out with regards to the size of the brooder, how many chicks can fit in?
I’d like to know as well.
Did the secret eggs hatch? What were they? I didn’t see a link.
How long can chickens stay in this before they can jump or or can they not jump out
Any advice for putting a roof on this thing? I was thinking just 2x4’s with wire mesh, and lifting it off when I need to get in to the brooder.
That would work just fine. We have an old window screen that we use, but a 2x4 or even 2x2 framed lid with mesh would work.
I just got some pallets and nailed a 4 foot 2x4 into each corner and wrapped around them with hardware cloth. Cardboard for the bottom and part way up the sides and called it good. Virtually free and took no time really
Thanks for this! What do you use to lay over the top so they can't flutter out once their get their wing feathers?
I’ll use a scrap piece of welded wire or a an old screen from a window usually.
Is the tarp a problem at all before I build it or does the bedding help with that. it’s a great temp idea to keep in the garage when not using.
Would this brooder be too much space for four chicks?
Not at all, especially as they get larger. You could always cut a second set of notches to allow you to run it 2x4 for a while before opening it up to 4x4.
@TheMindfulHomestead can you explain how or where I would cut to make this 4x4? I can't picture it in my head! I assume I'd need a second 4x8' sheet correct?
@@HaltWhoGoesThere If you’re looking at the sheet in a portrait orientation, you’re going to make horizontal cuts across the sheet at 2, 4, and 6 feet from the bottom edge. That will give you 4 pieces of wood that are 2 feet tall and 4 feet long.
3 years and it's still a secret.
How many chicks max in a 4 x 4 do you think? I'm getting 35 in June and was just wondering if mine was big enough. Mine is actually a kiddy swimming pool lol
We've brooded 30 meat birds in a 3'x4' in a pinch. 35 might be a little tight in a 4'x4', but you should be able to get them outside in 6 weeks no?
@@TheMindfulHomestead Well I have a horse stall but I was wondering if I should close up a little section like that or if I give them the full space it would be too cold. I usually get them in May and its too cold to give them a full stall. I'm getting them in June this time. Been trying to figure this out.
@@HerEcolife You could use a small pen at first, in the stall, then simply open up one side and let them roam as they like inside the stall. If they get cold, they'll come back and huddle within the three walls of the pen. @The Mindful Homestead has the perfect design here for exactly that sort of set up. A 4x4 will get crowded and mucky fast with that many meat birds. I'm in New England and wait until July to get chicks so I can keep them in tractors on pasture with little need for heat beyond the first two weeks.
It's been three years, where is that link in the corner? 🙂
Hello broody
For someone that overthinks (almost?) everything, I find that your design is a simple and effective fix to what many people (myself included) spend way too much time trying to get done.
Where’s the link with the new hatched eggs??? Gonna make this brooder. Thanks ;)
ua-cam.com/video/JrN3ZEOut0E/v-deo.html
@@TheMindfulHomestead thanks!
What do you put down for the bottom?
Just a cheap tarp.
Where are you located at and how much would it cost to to build one for me
Why didn't you use particle board for the box?
Particle board falls apart as so as it gets wet, and with the risk of chicks spilling water, or their poop being wet, the plywood will last longer.
The link never came!!!!!
👍
That's not a complete brooder - it's just a box. no heat, no overhead protection, no access door.....
And no problems either!
@@TheMindfulHomestead a brooder needs to be able to take your chicks from biddies needing heat to fully feathered and ready for mild weather without a lamp. I supposer if you put a 4 sided box in your heated garage it might be OK but still will need a heat lamp. Where is the floor? Where is the roof? Come on, honestly have you ever had a racoon or rat kill all your chicks? A brooder has to be able to protect birds until they can go outside. You should perhaps relabel the video as one where you can put together the *sides* of something that might eventually be a full blown brooder, but I think this may mislead people who are new to chickens.
@@fordguyfordguy We use these literally every year on over 200 Cornish cross and 30 turkeys.
25k views and no complaints besides yours. Thanks for watching.
Ya gotta laugh 😂 I may double the size. This being portable is fantastic. Thank you!
Sheet of plywood these days is $60 though !
Back down now!
69.00 in my neck of the woods
Hey Jack more like $100 . With the price of lumber today. Lol. Great job. Keep up the great work.