How long?

[happybooker1]

Hi all! Getting back into chickens after 3-4 years without. I am buying 18 standard sized straight-run chicks that were born last week. Their first "home" is gonna be a Tupperware container 42" X 20" X 15" deep with a screen top. About how long (your best guess) will this be suitable for them? IOW, how long do I have to get a proper coop? It's been so long since I had chicks I've forgotten how quickly they grow up.

 

[50-45-1]

18 chicks...I'd saw that container will be good for a week, maybe 2.
They grow FAST.
My chicks always go out to the coop at 2 weeks. I just cant stand the noise, dust and smell after that.
Good luck!

 

[happybooker1]

18 chicks...I'd saw that container will be good for a week, maybe 2.
They grow FAST.
My chicks always go out to the coop at 2 weeks. I just cant stand the noise, dust and smell after that.
Good luck!

OK. They will be in the garage with a hot plate at first since nights here are still down in the 40's. I had hoped for a month though. Oh well......

 

[rosemarythyme]

By 1 month old you'd want a minimum of 18 sq ft. Your container is under 6 sq ft. So plan on a bigger brooder after a week.