Baby chicks, How long until I need that coop built?

1. 1 thru 4 weeks in brooder, need 1 sq.. ft.. per bird for large fowl, 1/2 that for bantams.
2. 4 thru 8 weeks in a "grow out" pen. Need 1.5 sq., ft., per bird large fowl, 1/2 that for bantams.
3. 8 weeks thru 12 weeks, need 2-3 sq.. ft.. per bird, 1/2 tat for bantams.
4. Over 12 weeks thru adult , need 4 sq. ft.. per bird large fowl, 1/2 that for bantams.
5. Adult large fowl need 4 sq. ft. per bird inside nd 10 sq. ft. per bird outside. 1/2 that for bantams.

When my large fowl Light Sussex reached 5 weeks and didn't need heat any more, I made grow out pens from triple thick cardboard watermelon corrals. In the business, they are called "Gaylords". If you call around, companies may have some.
1. Put a cheap tarp on the ground.
2. Set the Gaylord on the tarp.
3.Fill interior with 4-6 inches of white bale kiln dried shavings from Tractor Supply.
hardwood, not softwood shavings.
4. Set feeder and waterer on raised platform. It should be at the height of the birds back so you will continue to have to raise it as they grow.
5. Get some chicken wire and make a weighted cover for the Gaylord so they don't fly out.

A watermelon Gaylord has 15 sq. ft.. interior space. You can easily raise 7 large fowl to 3 months old in it. I had 7 gaylords going with 42 Light Sussex total. It was a huge success. When you are done, bag the chips, toss the Gaylord, save the wire. Easy peasey.
Best,
Karen
Thank you Karen, The detailed information is so helpful. I bet BJ's or somewhere similar will have those watermelon boxes, Im going to call around. I have to wait a bit yet as my ground is still frozen and I still have to build my coop. I managed to at least stake it out yesterday. My husband and I had some "discussions" as to where it should go. We came to a sort of compromise but the best space happened to be right over his hosta garden that he just put in last year at great expense and effort. So he said I have to wait until he can transplant all those hosta! UGH. We'll see. Never heard of the water etc being at back level. Ill keep this in mind. Thanks
 
Hi,
On building that coop? Do yourself a favor and check out the Woods Open Air Coop. Dr. Woods was a genius at ventilation and the physics of such in this house makes it perfect for climates that get cold in the winter. Plans come in several sizes including for a small backyard flock. Here's the URL below to read his classic book online. It revolutionized the building of poultry houses in cold climates.
Read Chapter 8 first. Page 130 shows the 6x10 Woods Coop or 15 large fowl.
Best,
Karen
( Who has sold all three of her old coops to build Woods Open Air this year for the new flock.)

Modern fresh-air poultry houses; a new book on common sense housing of poultry--plans,
dimensions and instructions for building open-front poultry houses and fresh-air equipment
--fresh-air methods and open-air living--most practical and desirable for successful
poultry keeping in all climates; fully illustrated with reproductions from original drawings
and photographs,
by Prince T. Woods, M. D.
by Woods, Prince Tannat, 1870-
Published 1924
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924003138272;view=1up;seq=7
Thanks, Ill go check it out now.
 
It's my understanding that chickens LOVE hostas! They won't mind if he leaves them.
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