The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: kegs on May 29, 2012, 11:57:00 am

Title: Brooder Query
Post by: kegs on May 29, 2012, 11:57:00 am

OH has almost finished building me a luxury brooder in our garage.  Two sides are breeze blocks, one of strand board and one of bricks with a concrete floor.  I'm going to paint the walls with white fine textured masonry paint and I'd like to know what your recommendations would be for the floor.  Should I paint it with the masonry paint or is there something more suitable?
Thanks.
Title: Re: Brooder Query
Post by: Castle Farm on May 29, 2012, 01:13:58 pm
If your painting straight onto the block it's going to take a number of coats and to be honest I'd give it a render coat with cement first and then paint it.

As for the floor I put down a sheet of rubber pond liner. It can be lifted and washed and it keeps them off the concrete. I have 2 and use the clean one and wash and dry the other when I clean out.
Title: Re: Brooder Query
Post by: kegs on May 29, 2012, 02:00:01 pm
Thanks Castle Farm (and as it'll be your chicks going in there in a few weeks I don't want to get it wrong!!  ;) )


I like the idea of the pond liner and will probably use that.  Is it slippery at all, although the chicks will be at least a week old, and obviously I'll be putting bedding on top? 


Someone on another site suggested an epoxy floor paint - would that be a better idea?
Title: Re: Brooder Query
Post by: clydesdaleclopper on May 29, 2012, 05:57:21 pm
instead of pond liner you could use lino - it provides a bit more insulation from the cold floor
Title: Re: Brooder Query
Post by: kegs on May 29, 2012, 06:21:44 pm
I knew I'd find a use for that spare lino as soon as I threw it away!  :dunce:
Title: Re: Brooder Query
Post by: chrismahon on May 30, 2012, 02:17:34 pm
Just need to make sure it has good grip otherwise you will get leg injuries Kegs. Good idea to put something down as insulation as long as it can be removed for cleaning underneath.