Bantam chick newbie -- just how small are they? Brooder size?

[lceh]

I'm expecting 17 bantam chicks (white Wyandottes, buff Brahmas, & Ameraucanas) in early April, and I have to confess I've never actually seen these bantam breeds in person -- adults or chicks. Just how small are the little peepers? I'm starting to think about a brooder. I've checked out the brooder thread stickied here and it's been a big help. The only thing I'm having trouble determining is just how much smaller banty chicks are than standards and thus how big a brooder they will need. I have an extra large dog crate -- the "cage" kind, not the plastic kind with closed sides -- will that be big enough? I was going to fix cardboard or plexiglass (so the kids can see) to the sides to keep the little ones in, and was thinking about a furnace filter for the top to keep the dust down in my laundry room, but the main thing I'm concerned about is how quickly they'll outgrow it. Just how much space do 17 bantam chicks need? As soon as we can sex them we'll keep a half-dozen and sell the rest, but I guess that won't happen for a good while....

Also, if anyone could post a photo of a standard chick and a bantam chick together so I can get a visual idea of the size difference, it'd be great!

Sorry, I accidentally posted this twice and can't figure out how to delete one!

 

[Indiana hens]

Not much smaller. Don't sweat it!

 

[Akane]

Depends on the breed. My japs are teeny tiny. The adults are only 1lb. The chicks aren't even as long as my finger when born. I have 20 in a 10gallon aquarium and they are only slightly cramped. Some bantams are 2 or 3 times that size. Just depends on the breed.

Not the same age but these are week old standard EEs in with 4week old or so japs:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/aqh88/chickens/EEs/SANY0991.jpg

Jap chicks... The thermometer is the length of my finger..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v244/aqh88/chickens/brooder/hatch 2/SANY0851.jpg

 

[Southernbelle]

I don't have a size-comparison picture for you, but I just wanted to say: YES close up the sides of the dog box!

I put a broody hen in a dog crate with her nest and once the babies were up and around, I realized they'd been hopping out of the crate and exploring while Mama was locked up! They always came back to Mama, but these were standard sized chicks and they had no trouble getting out.

 

[ashylove]

Quote:
in the first pic, which are the japs???

 

[Akane]

The nearly all feathered white ones. The EE were still fluffy things and actually weighed more. They were still the blocky round chick shape.

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I was kinda surprised when I got my new babies....the ONLY bantam I had ever been around was my tiny little BTWJ. I hatched her from the tiniest little egg and she has always been a speck. I now have bantam Polish and Silkies. They really aren't much smaller than their standard brooder mates.

 

[tamlynn]

Is your crate similar to this?

I am by no means a chick expert, but I think an XL crate should be enough space for about a month. I would cover up most or all of the sides, but don't enclose the whole thing, they need air. We use a L size plastic dog travel crate, but we only get 6 bantys at a time.

Good to see another homeschooling family! What state are you in?

 

[lceh]

Yep, that's the crate! I'm hoping it'll last for a while, but of course I'm fighting the temptation to call Meyer and add a few more chicks (Silver Seabrights and Antwerp Belgians; I'm trying to resist). We're in Virginia, so at least the temps should be warm enough here for them to go outside sooner rather than later, hopefully late May.

Thanks for the help, everyone....and the great photos (so cute!).

 

[PQ]

Pictures of our Mama Diane and 2 hatch babies 1 yellow standard 1 black banty
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/PQCraig/criag2009108.jpg
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/PQCraig/criag2009107.jpg
http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/PQCraig/criag2009116.jpg