I put my 6 chicks (Marans/RIR) in the basement under the stairwell. 3ft wide & 5ft deep, plenty of room for the next 5wks while I build their coop, I cut the window with a jigsaw for venting 18"x18". The 1"inch wire is only to keep the cat out. lol My 3 KC Ducklings will be here mid April ready for the brooder. 03/31/15 the chicks are 3wks old today & are doing fine plenty of room for them to roam around in the stairwell brooder. I added a pole for them to roost on about 6" off the ground they love it. My wife was worried about the smell no problem so far. The weather is warming up more, should be ready for the Coop in 2-3 wks. 04/27/15 The chickens are in the coop & the ducklings moved in. At the BYC learning center an article by support suggested old bath towels instead of shavings,straw ect. Ducks are messy they love their water. I put down fresh towels every 3 days, wash the others. Oh! my ducks are 2 KC hens, Mallard drake & hen. Luv 'em
