Polyface Designs Mini Brooder #2 | WATCH BEFORE YOU BUILD!

This is my second build of the Polyface Designs Mini Brooder designed by Joel Salatin. For this build I implemented some changes based on my lessons learned from my first brooder. I hope this helps you with your plans and projects!

[@emilycrowell4749]

That is beautiful! I can’t wait to see how the designs will evolve!

[@mihacurk]

Just found your channel, and I really dig the videos! Keep them coming!

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

Thanks MC Armoury! Next video is a scaled down millenium feathernet build. Stay tuned...

[@alanpinnt]

Also another thought, swap out all the 2x4s for 2x2. You'll save on cost and weight. That brooder doesn't need the strength and weight carrying capacity the 2x4s offer. It's over kill.

[@3springsutah]

We just finished our first brooder like this and had some of the same issues, especially with the roof framing and margin of error. I like the idea of marking the bedding height on the inside. I'll be interested to see how the wood paneling goes on the second one! Great job! Have you considered caulking at least the bottom edges of the structure? I realize it is inherently leaky with the windows and roof

[@TheAdamballah]

One thing I believe is that the zip system has an r-value to it. So it would be insulated.

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

That's correct, Adam. Thanks for the input. I don't see the advantage from the R-value considering how leaky the structure is. If it was air tight or even close to it then yes, I would give points to the zip system for being insulative. I guess we'll see how the chicks do in both and compare. That may be a contributing factor if the chicks do better in the zip system brooder.

[@alanpinnt]

Throwing this out there. You'd probably be better off on a contract for propane. If you do it right, you'll prebuy at a contracted rate and get the LP at a lower price. Yes you'll have to buy a decent amount up front. But it's worth it. Plus you can specify the tank size you want. And most if not all LP suppliers have a cellular device that lets them know when you get below say 30 percent filled and then they come out and fill it. If you figure what your time is worth, fuel driving back and forth, and likely paying more in LP, you'll probably come out ahead on being on a contract. Just a thought. I hate buying LP as we use it to heat our old farmhouse but it's the only way at the moment.

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

Thanks for the information! I did try to get on a contract but could not get a response from any propane suppliers in my area. That seemed like a big red flag to me. Maybe as we grow in production and use the brooder more we'll transition to a big tank and contract to take advantage of the lower LP cost as you're saying. I appreciate the comment!

[@jasonmaestas7]

Great video, I used your recommendations for mine. Where what specific brand did you get for the hood heater and where did you get it? Thanks!

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

I use the Shenvec brooder heater and purchased mine from farmerboyag.com. It's best to find someone near you who wants one (or more) as well since the minimum quantity you can purchase them from farmerboy is 4. I had a viewer reach out to me asking the same question, and he and I ended up splitting an order of 4 heaters.

[@martycoyle6383]

❤

[@SJA-ox3hs]

Where did you buy the propane tanks and how much

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

Local tractor supply for $210

[@nashlawrence8345]

How many chicks per brooder do you put?

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

Polyface designs says the brooder can hold 250 chicks to 3 weeks of age. I've only ever had 150 in mine up to this point though since I don't raise nearly as many birds as they do.

[@lessycurls]

How many turkeys and how long can turkeys brood in them.

[@0hleg]

Can you make a 10min video showing where the hens go? Maybe talking about margins too. Also I wanted to share the bitter situation I’m in. I live on a farm with a lot of land more than enough land to do most things. But my dad has retired he mainly did crops and no animals. Now he hires people to do all labor. I want to try new things and do small scale animals. But my mom does not want me to do it all she says is. We’re not having any god damn animals. She says that they’re alot of work even though she never worked with the hobby sheeps or hens we’ve had.

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

Yes, I'll have more videos in the future showing how we raise our animals once they're out of the brooder. Try to find the abandoned area of your farm that no one cares about and see if you can start raising animals there, rather than trying to carve out some of the crop land to start on. You'll probably have more success in your discussions once you can show proof of concept in an area of the farm everyone thought was waste.

[@0hleg]

@@stonepillarfarm9089 we have so musch unused land. If you knew you’d understand. My moms argument is that it’s disgusting. But the animals are very far from our home and it’s in a field of grass unoccupied we pay to get the grass cut there too…

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

@@0hleg That's a shame. Hopefully your mom will come around. I guess try to compromise as much as it takes so you can start animals on that unused land. If you don't get anywhere maybe you just need to talk with a neighboring farm to see if they'll let you use some space. That would be unfortunate though.

[@ftoole1]

You need to find a propane place which will lower your propane cost.

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

What do you mean? I called all of the propane companies in my area and didn't get anywhere. Tractor supply does propane refills and is very close by. Where would you go for cheaper gas?

[@ftoole1]

@Stone Pillar Farm I have a local gas place I take my tanks to and they refill them. The same ones that come out and service big tanks. I prefer my 100lb tanks cause then I can move stuff around. They are like 1.50 cheaper a gallon then tractor supply near me. I do have to get by them between like 9-5.

[@stonepillarfarm9089]

@@ftoole1 Good to know. Thanks for the tip!