“Well I used it for half day before my dog tore right threw the sides and killed all my chicks. He was alone with them for a few minutes. Holes in the mesh on side and the side just pushes right in. While I didn't test it, I wouldn't have faith in a toddler adding any pressure to the side without it failing. Adding to that, every toddler I know can open a zipper so fact they say it's toddler proof just isn't true unless your talking a 12m old.
But back to my original issue, it's not actually pet proof. Guess I should have paid more attention since the description says pet proof but the added detail only talks about cats. Sigh. So now I'm out the brooder, 6 expensive chicks that I'd been attached to and a brooder plate that was smashed in the whole ordeal..
Two stars because it does fold up nicely and was a nice size. It has a liner in the bottom for easy cleaning.”
Thank you for letting us know, we are incredibly sorry to hear about your situation with the Hen Pen Pop-Up Brooder. We cannot even imagine how upsetting that would be. As a result of your feedback, we are adding a reminder that pets and children should be supervised at all times around baby chicks, and with this brooder as well. Nothing is foolproof, but supervision helps reduce the risk of chicks being injured since a pet or child who is determined to gain access, can find a way. Additionally, the design is collapsible and if a pet or child gets on top or presses firmly on the sides, the brooder can press inward. It makes the brooder very convenient for storage periods, but not as robust for chick protection. We understand how sad you must be and if you do want to try again to raise a brood or chicks we are here for you. We would like to send you another brooder on us if you are interested. Please let us know. We are here to help you in any way we can.
“The first 2 times I used it, GREAT.. the 3rd time, it seems a rodent of some sort has started to chew into the fabric along the bottom.. I understand that the product is NOT safe for outdoor use, This is inside my garage, and sealed though it is, some rodent has still found it's way into the garage to chew it.. I will say that for some reason the rodent DID NOT eat my chicks THANK GOODNESS, I am not sure why it stopped chewing, and left. I have placed rat traps around the brooder, and taped the hole shut. It would be better if some sort of chew proof fabric along the bottom edges of the brooder were used. The chicks have started to peck at the exposed threading that is at the seam where the rodent chewed through it. I will attempt to tape that up, too. I may have to bring the chicks inside which is not ideal either because I have cats and it's colder inside my home than it is in the warm garage.”
We're sorry to hear that your Pop-up brooder was damaged by rodents. The brooder is listed for indoor use only as it is not predator proof; this includes rodents which can be highly motivated by food like chick starter to chew through fabric. Garages and outdoor sheds or barns are prime locations for rodents to seek shelter from elements and are normally not sealed the same way that the interior of a home is to discourage entry. Sadly there isn't a fabric material that we could offer that would prevent these pests. Rodents can chew through most materials when motivated including PVC, wood, and even concrete less then 2" thick in some cases. Rodents like rats, mice and even squirrels are a huge problem and one of the primary reasons chicken coops are built up off the ground and it's not recommended to put food or water in the coop itself. Stainless steel or a material stronger than iron is needed to prevent entry by these tenacious pests and these metals wouldn't be light, foldable or affordable.
“great idea! still trying to get the top zipper to fit, no luck yet, my chicks are almost 2 week old and need a larger area than the brooder tub, so I got the pop up pen out of the box, set it up, and now trying to get the top zipper to fit.
UPDATE, I put my glasses on and got it zipped up and used it for my 5 chicks for about 6 weeks, worked great, got it back in the box in case I ever get more chicks again. It worked out well! Kept floor very clean.”
Thank you Pamela for leaving a review for the My Pet Chicken Hen Pen Pop-Up Brooder. We are so very sorry to hear you are having a hard time with the zipper. We have reached out to you directly about the issue.
“I would love to give it 5 stars but the zippers are not good quality. It is a perfect size for our 6 chicks. It opens up and is easy to get setup. Love the netting around the brooder. But the zipper on top of the brooder is a struggle. When we tried zipping it, it would pop back open. We would have to pull the sides together in order for it to close. It wasn’t easy. This happens every single time we open the top to clean out the brooder (daily). Other than that, I love the size and easy storage of the brooder.”
We're so sorry your zipper top on your Hen Pen Pop Up brooder has been giving you trouble! We've sent you an email requesting more information so we can assist you with this issue, please keep an eye out for that communication.
“I bought a blue one last year, and it took a lot more than wiping it down to clean it. I wound up hosing it off in the shower and then spraying it with a disinfectant after it had dried, and then folding it after the disinfectant had dried. Other than that we liked it - but cleaning was a major thrash as I am a rather short person with arms to match.
BTW - what is different with the new green one?”
Thank you Nadja for leaving a review on your My Pet Chicken Hen Pen Pop-Up Brooder. We are very sorry it was difficult for you to clean! Chicks can make a mess easily! We updated our My Pet Chicken Hen Pen Pop-Up Brooder to green. Our materials are thicker, stronger, and better! Made with a thick canvas - not nylon like other pet pens. The wires are encased in rubber and canvas sleeves, which won't tear through as can happen with nylon. We also designed the netting with a thicker cording and smaller holes than other pet pens.
“Really great solution, easy to store between broods, nice size and practical. Protects from other household animals where the cardboard option does not.”
Thank you for taking the time to provide this great review of the My Pet Chicken Hen Pen Pop-Up Brooder! We agree! They are a great item to have around and are so practical! Please keep us in mind for any of your future flock needs!
“I really thought this product was cute and very easy to set up. This earns 5 stars because last night the neighbors cat got locked into my garage where the brooder is setup. No harm came ti the baby chicks. No scratch marks or tears on the brooder. I highly recommend this product!”
WOW! Thank you, Cheree, for this great review of our pop up brooder! The canvas is thick, strong, and designed to protect chicks from mischievous paws and even little hands. We are so happy to see those 5 stars and hear that your chicks are safe and happy!
