“Newbie” Housing ???

[hollyk]

When we raised these, we never had an issue with flying. They get heavy fast! So long as predators can't get to them, the biggest challenge was keeping them moving.

 

[North 40 Outfitters]

We will be raising 25 meat birds in our man cave. Once they start getting bigger, how high do the walls have to be & is a cover necessary to keep them from flying out? Thank you.

Hey Joy--
Broilers can be flighty in the first 4 or 5 weeks before they starting packing on weight. Even then we've had 7 week old birds capable of flying up to 3' high perches. I would recommend some sort of netting over the top of container you are raising them in especially if the walls are under 3' in height.

Other indoor considerations:

1.) Good news is air circulation shouldn't be a problem with that many birds and that much space... but a little fresh air wouldn't hurt.

2.) Lighting - Be sure and mimic natural light cycles especially after week 2 or 3. Sleep is important to healthy growth in all animals. If you keep a light on them 24/7 they will be more stressed and more likely to over eat leading to heart, respiratory, and leg development issues. You can find decent lighting options online, we've got a couple here: https://north40.com/pet-animal/chicks/chicken-coops-containment

3.) Limit access to food... may seem counter-intuitive, but if they grow too fast there could be a lot of problems. Its okay to give free access to food 24/7 in the first couple weeks after feed once or twice a day for controlled healthy growth.

Let us know how it goes, and good luck!

 

[lazy gardener]

Joy, have you ever raised chicks before? Just asking b/c the incredible amount of dander they produce is not something I'd be willing to have in any human habitation. Are you raising white rocks or Cornish x Rocks? Huge difference!!! Have you considered putting them in an outdoor tractor? That would be much more tolerable for both chicken and human.

 

[Joy Russell]

Joy, have you ever raised chicks before? Just asking b/c the incredible amount of dander they produce is not something I'd be willing to have in any human habitation. Are you raising white rocks or Cornish x Rocks? Huge difference!!! Have you considered putting them in an outdoor tractor? That would be much more tolerable for both chicken and human.

Yes, on 2 separate occasions. White Rocks. It really isn’t a “habitation “.... it is a garage/workshop/relaxed entertainment area. We are going to separate the areas as much as possible. We realize, after the multitude of responses, that this is not ideal but it is what we have available this year. We are already discussing a better option for next year. I have no idea what an outdoor tractor is. The chicks arrive March 20....we will still have serious snow & cold temperatures for most of their lifespan & we live in an area where predators are many.

 

[debid]

Chicken tractors are enclosures that can be moved around. Usually, they have a roof but no bottom so the birds can access fresh soil each time they are moved. While you're reading, also consider hoop houses.

 

[lazy gardener]

If you intend to be raising birds next year also, you can easily make a cattle panel tractor that will suit your needs. With hardware cloth covering and skirt, it could be made predator proof. It could also double as a green house if you are not raising chickens, simply by changing the solid color tarp over it for a clear tarp or 4 mil. plastic.