Chicken Brooder

So here's the quick update on our prep for baby chicks. I've finished the chicken brooder...well sort of. As I think you can see from the picture, I've now laid down the bedding on the floor and placed feeders (red) and waterers (white) inside. I'll use the waterers for the first week and then move to a bigger size. Apparently baby chicks can get into the bigger bowls and poop in the water. Nobody likes poop in the water!

The chicken wire is in 2 sheets. I overlapped the sheets between two 2x4s which I screwed together. After wiring the loose ends of the sheets I used bungee cords to hold it all down weighted with tires. Oh yeah, my redneck roots were really working during that moment. But I've already re-thought this and will likely just place wood posts along the edges so predators, such as raccoons, coyotes, rats, and even cats, can't get into the brooder.

The brooder lamp, I hope, will be enough warmth. I've looked up "brooder hovers" and think this would be a great idea, but maybe more for winter conditions instead of August in Iowa. I will know soon enough...the chick should be delivered at the post office as early as tomorrow!