Chick Brooder - 2 Layer H: 15"

We just finished a two week brood of 28 quail chicks, after two layer, 15" brooder assembly. Brood was completed in single layer with 0% mortality.

Assembly brief:
Base Cost: $599.99 as of June 2024
Time from order placement to delivery: <3 days
Total assembly time: 190 minutes

First brood brief:
Operator Experience Level: Novice
Volume/Species of First Brood: 28 quail
Levels Used: 1
Brooder Capacity: As described
Mortality Rate during First Brood: 0%

Full report:

Itemized cost ->
- 2 Layer 15" H - $599.99
- Extra Manure Tray* - $25.99
- Order Discount - ($5.00)
- Total from Hatching Time: $620.98
- Two lightbulbs: $3.00~

Total cost: $623.90
Total brooding space: 9 sqft (4.5 sqft/level)
Cost of brooding space: $69.32/sqft

Malformed parts: 2
- Doors (2). Both usable.

Hairline fracture parts: 1
- Food trough (1). Part usable.

Missing pieces: 0

Extra pieces: 5
- 1 ****, 1 molly, 2 yellow **** bar locks, 1 water nipple

Did customer service rectify all issues: Yes.

Brooder was placed in a temperature and humidity controlled area in home. 28 quail chicks made it into the brooder. Included inside brooder feeders and waterers were utilized for first week+. Feed used throughout entire brood was Kalmbach 28% (Medicated). Feed was offered via in-brooder feeder for days 1-8. Feed was offered via trough feeder for days 7-16, exclusively from day 9 onward. Perdue FlockLeader Recover Plus was offered for the first 3 days at recommended dosage in both waterers. On days 4-9, standard tap/well water was offered via in-brooder waterers. From days 8-16, integrated waterer (cups) was offered, exclusively from day 10 onward.

Black mats were utilized above blue grate flooring from days 1-3. Blue grate (no cover) utilized as direct flooring from day 4 onward.

Litter tray was emptied on day 3, day 5, day 8, and approximately daily thereafter. Extra manure tray* was absolutely essential. Trays were cleaned via hose spray (no pressure) and did not require scraping or additional pressure until days 10~ onward. Trays cleaned to satisfactory degree for re-placement without cleaning agent.

Temperature consistency was strong. Chicks appeared very comfortable, going often between relaxed and sleepy and active, typically as a whole flock. Both crowding and scattering was observed in moderate amounts, but chicks appeared free of distress and appeared content in brooder environment.

Chicks were tagged and moved to outdoor aviary on day 17. Mortality 48 hours after move to aviary was 0%. Birds presenting with no issues, appearing healthy and energetic.

Cleaning of brooder: It cleans well. I do understand the comments about needing to put side covers / blinders around the edge of the bottom of the brooder. With the brooder moving to the shed per wife, I will definitely utilize the "power-washable" construction of the brooder on future broods.

Overall freeform review:

Functionality with Interior Placement and Small Kids: We used this as an indoor brooder arrangement in a spare room in our house, and this arrangement was great. It will go to the shed on future broods, per wife's preference due to bird smell. The kids really liked being able to see and play with the birds every day. The visibility of the birds through the clear front doors, the second level of which was at eye level for a toddler / child made for an extremely engaging, compelling experience for the kids. As far as kids handling the brooder, there are no sharp parts / no sharp metal, a big plus. There appears to be minimal risk of burns from heater. Doors and other parts are useable by children with full functionality and without significant risk of injury and with minimal risk of damaging the brooder or it's components (the prongs that hold the food trough and door hinges appear to be the most likely of being broken by toddlers or absent-minded children). Speaking of safety, I like that there is no loose lamp to be knocked over, and that the entire heating element is contained within the heavy plastic, and that the light and guard prevent the heating element from being removed from the brooder save a couple deliberate steps.

Turnkey Project: Although I am perfectly capable of estimating, purchasing, and assembling materials for a brooder construction project, I was happy that this brooder was a self-contained project. It was entirely turnkey, nothing missing. The value of that is worth mention.

Overall, I'm happy with this product. I would recommend to a friend. I would buy from this company again, and likely will when we begin to grow the flock. Obviously with the cost, type of assembly, aesthetic, etc., this is not the brooder for everybody or every situation. However, it worked well for us, and I anticipate it working well into the future based on first use. I hope this review helps you to make an informed purchasing decision about whether thi...

We purchased these brooders almost a month ago and I can not tell you how much we love them! My husband calls them the bougie brooders 😂
No more waking up and having to fill waterers and feeders, before you've ever had a cup of coffee...everything is already done for you!
Best of all, we haven't had 1 loss, since having these brooders, and the chicks LOVE IT in there!
We love them so much, that we purchased a quail brooder, for newly hatched chicks, as well!
You won't be disappointed!!