Building A Safe Grow-Out Cage For Chicks

Building a grow-out cage for chicks requires careful planning and preparation. The first step is to select an appropriate location, taking into account factors such as sunlight exposure, ventilation, and proximity to a water source. The cage should be spacious, providing each chick with enough room to grow and move around comfortably. It should also be safe, easy to clean, and well-ventilated to maintain a healthy environment for the chicks. When constructing the cage, it is essential to use materials that are safe for the chicks, such as plywood for the floor and chicken wire or hardware cloth to line the walls and prevent predators from entering. The cage should also have a secure door with reliable latches to prevent accidental openings. Additionally, it is important to provide bedding, food, water, and a heat source for the chicks, ensuring that all their needs are met within the grow-out cage.

Selecting the right location

A well-ventilated and shaded area is preferred to maintain a comfortable temperature for the chicks. You can use plastic tote bins or build your cage out of wood, but make sure to provide bedding, heat, food, and water. Each chick needs 6 square inches of space in the brooder, and you should plan on 2 square feet per chick, as they grow at an astonishing rate and overcrowding can cause problems like picking and cannibalism.

The cage should be secure and firmly attached to the ground or any supporting structure to prevent accidents or escapes. It should also be predator-proof, especially if it is located outdoors. Chicken wire or hardware cloth can be used to cover any openings and keep predators out.

You can also repurpose old cages or enclosures, such as a chicken run or dog run, as long as they are predator-proof and have a weatherproof enclosure for feed, a heat source, and water.

Finally, consider the proximity to your home or other buildings. Chicks can be smelly and dusty, so you may prefer to locate the cage in a barn or outbuilding rather than inside your house. However, if you choose a location too far from the house, it may be inconvenient to regularly check on the chicks and provide them with food and water.

Building with wood and wire mesh

Building a grow-out cage for chicks requires careful planning and preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to building a sturdy and comfortable cage using wood and wire mesh:

Planning and Materials

First, select an appropriate location for the cage, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, ventilation, and proximity to a water source. Ensure the chosen site is well-ventilated and shaded, and has access to water for the chicks' hydration and well-being.

For the construction, gather the necessary materials and tools:

• Wooden fence panels or untreated wood
• Wire mesh (chicken wire) with hexagonal holes, made of galvanised steel or PVC-coated metal
• Screws, nails, hinges, U-pins, and staples
• Tools: drill, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, staple gun, wire cutters, spirit level, ruler, pen, etc.

Constructing the Frame

Build a sturdy frame using wooden panels or untreated wood. Cut and assemble the wood to form a square or rectangular shape. Ensure the frame is level and properly aligned to prevent instability. You may need to dig a base area for the cage to sit in, and you can use wood chips as flooring.

Attaching the Wire Mesh

Cover each wooden frame with wire mesh, using a staple gun or nails to secure the mesh to the wood. Ensure there are no gaps or loose edges that chicks could escape through. The wire mesh acts as a protective barrier against predators. Cut a door opening in one of the mesh-covered frames, and attach a door with hinges. You can use a finger hook spring as a latch to secure the door.

Finalising the Cage

Place the cage on a solid platform, such as a wooden base, to ensure stability. You can add a plastic sheet on top of the platform for added protection. Install feeders and waterers inside the cage, placing them conveniently for easy access by the chicks. Create nesting areas and perches to provide a homely and stress-free environment. Ensure the cage is secure and firmly attached to the ground or any supporting structure.

Always ensure that the materials used are non-toxic and safe for the chicks, and regularly check for any loose connections or weak points that may need reinforcement.

Providing food, water, and bedding

Food

When your chicks first arrive, show them where their food is located. Start your chicks on a chick starter, turkey starter, or game bird starter feed. A high-protein diet is best if you want your chicks to develop to their greatest potential. You can use Purina Start & Grow medicated chick starter dry crumbles, or Scratch and Peck starter crumble for the first eight weeks, and then switch to the grower crumble.

It is important to note that chicks need all their food to be from the nutrients formulated in the feed until they are fully grown. Avoid feeding them a scratch diet until they are fully matured, and only offer treats sparingly, as they need to fill up on balanced nutrition.

Water

Always ensure that your chicks have access to clean, room-temperature water to prevent them from getting chilled while drinking. Upon their arrival, dip the beak of each chick in the water as you place them into the brooding area, as they will likely be thirsty. To prevent chicks from getting into the water and getting wet and chilled, use shallow water dispensers or place marbles or tank rocks into the water foundation.

Bedding

Cover the entire brooder area with bedding to a depth of approximately 1 to 3 inches, or 3 to 5 inches on concrete floors. Good bedding options include large pine shavings, rice hulls, straw, or hay. Avoid using small shavings or sawdust, as chicks might eat them, and do not use sand or cedar shavings as they are not safe. You can also use puppy pee pads, layering 7-10 pads and sprinkling a little bedding on top, which makes cleaning easier. Additionally, ensure that the bedding is not flammable to prevent potential fires.

Maintaining temperature

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial when building a grow-out cage for chicks. For their first week of life, the brooder temperature should be kept at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. From there, you can decrease the temperature by five degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered at around nine to ten weeks old. During this time, they will be able to regulate their body temperature.

To maintain the temperature, you can use a heat lamp or a Brinsea EcoGlow. A Brinsea EcoGlow is safer than a heat lamp as it does not pose a fire hazard. You can also use a cardboard box with an EcoGlow for warmth.

It is important to monitor the temperature with a calibrated thermometer to ensure the chicks are neither too hot nor too cold. You can also observe the chicks' behaviour to ensure they are healthy. They should be eating, drinking, and spending time both inside and outside the heat source.

Proper ventilation is also essential to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment for the chicks. Ensure that the grow-out cage allows for sufficient air circulation, preventing heat build-up and promoting fresh air intake. A well-ventilated and shaded area is preferred to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Cleaning and safety

To keep chicks safe, the cage should be well-ventilated, allowing fresh air to circulate. The cage should also be covered to prevent the chicks from jumping or flying out at an early age. A covered cage will also prevent predators from entering. The cage should be large enough to allow the chicks to move around and grow, with each chick requiring 6 sq in (39 cm2) of space.

To prevent the chicks from injuring themselves, use blunt bolts to secure chicken wire or mesh over the cage. Open water sources should be shallow to prevent drowning, and the height of food and water sources should be raised as the chicks grow taller.

Chicks require a warm environment, especially during their first week of life, when the brooder temperature should be kept at 95 degrees. The temperature can then be decreased by five degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered at around nine to ten weeks old.

Frequently asked questions