Coop size for 25 meat birds

[Gravedigger]

I'm thinking of building a coop under my deck out of site to raise birds during the winter. The area is already enclosed so there is no wind. At what age can they be put in the coop. I would make it raised off the ground to clean out into a wheelbarrow and insulated. How many square feet needed and are two foot walls tall enough.

Thank You

 

[mtnhomechick]

From my experience last summer, they don't need much room. Especially if they are a few weeks old. I did the brooder thing first and then put them in the coop/run. They didn't take nearly the space of a layer since they prefer to eat and they lay down by the feeder.

Seemed to me the older/bigger they get..the less they move.

Just remember though........the poo really stinks. Can't imagine sitting on my deck right above the smell.

Good Luck,

Mary

 

[Gravedigger]

When it is below 45 most of the winter we don't sit on the deck. I'll be using a tractor in the spring (April through Oct) and summer

 

[mtnhomechick]

The smell won't be so bad in winter. They might need the brooder longer though. A simple light bulb can provide alot of heat and they will likely gravitate toward the heat. Sounds like a good plan to me.

 

[skeeter]

if it gets cold you dont want them up in the air on wire

 

[Gravedigger]

I was planning on a solid floor and using some type of bedding that would be removed into a wheelbarrow.

 

[mtnhomechick]

Straw or hay would probably work. I used straw.