Another brooder question

[Meanxean]

Hi everyone
I will be getting 10 chicks from mt healthy in April. I am trying to figure out brooder size. I would like at least 20 sq feet.
I have googled some diy brooders and really like the plastic tote idea with a wire cover as I have 2 cats. I am wondering if it is a good or bad idea to set up 2 totes and split the chicks 5 and 5? Will they get along when they get reunited 6-8 weeks when I put them in the main coop?
I also planning on purchasing 2 premier 1 heaters so when they do get bigger they will have plenty of space.
Thank you in advance

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi everyone
I will be getting 10 chicks from mt healthy in April. I am trying to figure out brooder size. I would like at least 20 sq feet.
I have googled some diy brooders and really like the plastic tote idea with a wire cover as I have 2 cats. I am wondering if it is a good or bad idea to set up 2 totes and split the chicks 5 and 5? Will they get along when they get reunited 6-8 weeks when I put them in the main coop?
I also planning on purchasing 2 premier 1 heaters so when they do get bigger they will have plenty of space.
Thank you in advance

Welcome To BYC!
Do you already have an existing flock?
Where will these chicks be "living" once they "grow up"? Coop/run, etc.?

If these are your "first" then brood them outside directly in the coop.

I'm sure others will chime in - even if you split them up into 2 totes, they are going to outgrow those very quickly - before 6-8 weeks.
At 6-8 wks, you would likely be integrating 2 "groups" if you have them split, so you may have some normal squabbling, but it can be done if you have the room.

 

[chickens really]

Hmm? I hope the Coop will accommodate all the Birds and do you have a way to look no touch during introductions?

 

[Criticalicious]

A modular option is to use very large cardboard boxes and add on more boxes as the chicks get larger. Or build a brooder out of plywood. I would keep all 10 together in the same brooder if you can.

 

[Meanxean]

I do not have an existing flock. These will be my only flock.

My coop is not built yet. I am going to be building a woods coop. I was going to build the 10x6 but I saw on this site that it may be easier to build 8x12.
My run is going to be 25x25. I was thinking of making a special smaller run where i will grow clover and other grasses for them. And then be able to close it off to regrow.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I do not have an existing flock. These will be my only flock.

My coop is not built yet. I am going to be building a woods coop. I was going to build the 10x6 but I saw on this site that it may be easier to build 8x12.
My run is going to be 25x25. I was thinking of making a special smaller run where i will grow clover and other grasses for them. And then be able to close it off to regrow.

If you can do the 8X12 that would be better, imho. When it comes to chickens give all the room that you can.

It would really be good to get your coop/run built and ready, those chicks will grow fast. You're going to want them outside as soon as possible, chicks are dusty, their fluff sticks to everything, I understand the idea of babies inside is so fun (and it is...but...). I too sometimes have chicks in the house, but after a few days I want them O.U.T.

 

[blackdog043]

I would use 1 brooder, that's big enough and keep them together. Like your thinking 20 sq ft or bigger if your coop gets delayed. I'm not sure how big your plate will be but the chicks should be off heat by 4 - 5 weeks max, 1 should be enough. I use the mama heat pad 12 x 24 and had 10 chicks with enough room.

Adding your general location to your profile will help immensely with questions. A lot of questions will be answered according to your weather.

 

[Meanxean]

Hi
I added my location hopefully right. I'm in mass.
Thank you for your help, I was under the impression they needed to be under heat and or inside until about 8 weeks. I know when they first get here they need to be at 90 degrees.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi
I added my location hopefully right. I'm in mass.
Thank you for your help, I was under the impression they needed to be under heat and or inside until about 8 weeks. I know when they first get here they need to be at 90 degrees.

What breed(s) are you getting?

General "rule of thumb" for providing heat for chicks is 90-95F for the first week, then drop the temp 5degrees each week.
It depends on your weather, the breed, how fast they feather, etc. but by 8 weeks (or less) they should be fully feathered and can handle cool temps.

You do not want all of your brooder/housing to be 90F. That's what your plate(s) are for. Chicks require just one warm spot. Let the rest be cool/cold. Keep your food/water on the cool side of brooders.
Every batch of chicks can be a little different. You may have some that require/need heat a little longer, other chicks you may find seem to never stay under or need heat.

 

[Meanxean]

I am getting 10 chicks total. I have read online that mt healthy has sent 1 or 2 extra in some reviews. I will be getting EE, buff orpington, black Australop, amber link and brown leghorns.
I decided my brooder will be 20 sq ft total and only getting 1 heat plate. I found a chick jungle gym that I will be making so I want I the brooder big enough to have adequate space.
What are your thoughts on nipple waterers when they are that young? I was given a regular waterer but would like them to have nipple waterers in their coop and in their run.
Thanks so much for your help