Spring has Sprung!

Once again, breeding season is in full swing and it’s time to assess your breeding pens and brooders. As chicks grow, it is important to have suitable sized pens to fit their needs. Here is a simple and cost-effective brooder system that has worked for me for the last few seasons. I have constructed these brooders using 1000L IBCs as they are easily cleaned, inexpensive and a suitable size. After each batch of chickens, they are cleaned out and sanitised ready for the next batch.

You will need: (makes 2)

1x IBC 1000L container
1x sheet of Weldmesh (2400x1200x25)
2x 150W security flood lights
2x Broom Handles/Dowel/Similar
4x 50mm Self Tapping Screws
Tie Wire
Zip Ties

First cut the IBCs in half so that you can make 2 out of the same drum. I cut these using a grinder. When cut, I thoroughly washed them to remove anything that was previously contained in them.
Next I cut a sheet of mesh (2400 x 1200 x 25mm) into 4 pieces (1200 x 600mm). These act as the lids.
Cut a broomstick, piece of timber, or anything else similar that you have around the house to the inside width of the plastic liner. This acts as a support to attach the mesh on to. I screwed this on with some self-tapping screws from the outside. Of the liner.
Attach the mesh on the top by wiring it to the IBC cage for the back half, and wiring around the broom handle as a hinge for the front half.
Finally, they can either bolt your flood lights to the side of the IBCs or zip ties to the lid. (Both work well)