At what age an I expand the floor space of my chick " nursery?

[littleandlewis]

My chicks are two weeks old...growing quickly.

Right now I have a section of our main coop blocked off to hold the 5 chicks. ( about 2.5 x 2 feet square) A heat lamp gives them an area of warmth.

They seem inquisitive and content. Can I take down the wall and give them more floor space? It would give them maybe 2.5' x 5' total if I took the partition down. Too much space for their age?

Thanks

 

[Puddin Fluff]

Would they be by themselves or do you have older birds.

If they are by themselves, you could open it up to them. They know where the heat lamp is and will return when they need to. I would let them roam. Just watch them for "pileing" up too much. That means they are cold but as long as they have a warm place to snuggle up, I would think they would be fine.

That's just my opinion. Others might feel otherwise.

 

[lazy gardener]

I agree. If these chicks are the only ones in the coop, they'd thrive with the extra space. If they are warm enough with the existing heat lamp, they'll surely be warm enough with the increased coop space as long as it's not drafty. It sounds like you DO have older birds in the rest of the coop but could easily increase brooder space to 2.5 x 5? Wonderful!

 

[littleandlewis]

No older birds.... these are our only. Perhaps I am " projecting " a little, but they do look and act inquisitive. When ever I put something new into their area... like some risers...they are all over it.

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes, I believe they are curious. And I believe that they do benefit from having access to things to entertain themselves with.

 

[Puddin Fluff]

No older birds.... these are our only. Perhaps I am " projecting " a little, but they do look and act inquisitive. When ever I put something new into their area... like some risers...they are all over it.

Mama bird would have them all over the coop so they would be exploring but their "heater" would be traveling with them so they could warm up whenever they wanted to. As long as your coop isn't so big they might get lost from the heat lamp, I would let them explore. They are just like toddlers, into everything. Enjoy!

 

[lazy gardener]

I had my 2 and 5 week old chicks in a coop that was 4 x 8 in the loft (where the HP brooders were) with a 8 x 8 space underneath. During the day, I'd let the 2 week olds out to run both levels if it was a nice day, but keep them in the loft if it was a cool day (less than 50*) Those little chicks would flit around both levels like a bunch of parakeets. I did separate them, and put the littles on their own side of the loft towards evening.