Chicken Brooder Size

[chickanddoglvr]

It has been a while since I have raised my old chicks, and as i am getting ready for my new batch i was wondering how big it had to be for the first and second week for chicks. I am going to make a big one after there 3 or 4 week, but for for the first couple how big does it have to be? I have a med size dog cage and wondered if that would be enough for 8. Also how big of a whole can they wiggle themselves out of? Any info will be GREAT!

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Lesa]

I would think that crate will work for at least the first week. They are so small and they need to be warm anyway... I think putting a piece of cardboard along the bottom of the edges to block the holes, would be a good idea. Maybe 4 inches tall, or so. Just in case. Enjoy your chicks!