Building a Brooder and Self Esteem and Relationships

I explained earlier that each child got to pick something on the farm they were going to “own” and with our help they would be in charge of doing everything for their particular item.  Well Chocolate picked the chickens.  She is hoping to be able to sell the eggs at some point and make a little money.

I hope she can do it too, in fact, I know with enough hard work she will be able to do it.

With the chicks on their way we needed to brooder box.  A brooder box is just a small place to keep small chicks, were they can stay warm and out of harms way.  We wanted to do something permanent, being that chickens are going to be permanent around here and we plan on freshening our flock every spring.

We had this box hanging around from our delivery of tile a few weeks before, it was the perfect size and shape, and while it needed a little modification, not much was required.

With Dadzoo’s help and instruction, Chocolate was able to build the brooder box herself, she only made one little measurement error, forgetting to take into account the boards on the inside of the frame, an easy fix, but something she won’t forget to do again.

Dadzoo taught her how to cut wood on the table saw and use a nail gun to secure everything

First she make a solid bottom, then added wood to make the sides solid as well.

She then build a lid, covering it with tight wire mesh to keep the mice out and the air circulation.

 The secured the lid on with hinges, latch and handle.

The day the girls were to arrive Chocolate got up early and lined the bottom with cardboard, then newspaper and then wood shavings.  She placed the water bottles, food and last but not least the warming lamp in her brooder.

I enjoyed watching Father and Daughter work together, laugh and smile at each other.  Chocolate learned a new skills, developing a sense of responsibility and pride in a job well done.