6 week chick enclosure

[Ada06]

Hi, this past spring I got 11 chicks. We kept them in a large cardboard box but now they are flying out like crazy, all over my dads garage. We are in the middle of building a VERY expensive coop (wood prices). We are building a raised 8x16 coop. Underneath is sand. We have the floor in, so it is basically a stage. I was thinking about having the chicks live underneath that until we have the coop done. They wouldn't get rained on, plus they are pretty much all fully feathered. We are going to surround it with hardware cloth, but we have a few racoons hanging around that haven't been shot yet. Could this be possible? If so: How can I racoon proof this? Thank you!!

 

[HappyClucker7]

I would get a big bin, or maybe even two, and then cover the top with netting so that the chicks can't get out. Keep them in the garage until the coop is finished.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Because of the coons I would finish the coop before moving them out. If you're also working on a run, prioritize the coop - assuming you built the coop to the recommended minimum space and ventilation for adult birds, they can easily live in there for several weeks, while you finish the run. Things like roosts and nest boxes can also be added later on if needed, if that helps with the time crunch.

In the meantime, you can expand your brooder by getting more boxes and cutting/taping them to make a larger enclosure. Netting attached taut over the top will keep them inside (no loose netting, they can get caught in it).

 

[Ada06]

Okay, I can work on a bigger enclosure for them later. The coop has two walls up, so its going to be 3-4 weeks at least. I would hate for them to be eaten after making it this far in life. Thank you!!!

Also, I have 2 chicks that are 4 weeks (2 weeks younger than the rest) could they be without a heat lamp? I have been raising it as normal, now its the same temp outside, the littles don't seem cold so I would assume they are fine. Just wanted to check.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If the temperature in the brooder is same as outside (what are the lows, BTW?) and the younger chicks aren't distressed then they should be fine without the heat. I normally wean my chicks off heat around 4 weeks when it's down around mid 40s, without issue, but I do brood outside so they're constantly exposed to those temperatures.

 

[Ada06]

Lows of upper 40's and low 50's. They are in the garage too, so its warmer.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Lows of upper 40's and low 50's. They are in the garage too, so its warmer.

Good temperatures for 4-6 week olds. Get them off the heat lamp completely and they'll easily be able to transition out once the coop is built and secure enough to house them.

 

[Ada06]

Good temperatures for 4-6 week olds. Get them off the heat lamp completely and they'll easily be able to transition out once the coop is built and secure enough to house them.

Perfect! Thank you!!