Brooder size for 26 chicks?

[Mr.Dad]

Time to start getting ready for the arrival of our flock...I opted for the 'free chick' even though we're only keeping about 13 or so....we'll find homes for the rest before Winter.....

What size brooder should I build?....From what I've learned so far they're gonna be in there for at least 8 weeks right?

Should I make so it's expandable via a moveable inside wall?

What's a good wall height?

Should I make a screen top?

Are clamp on spot lights (two) good for heaters or should I get the heat lamp?...I figured if I did two 100w or so if one blew there would still be a heat sorce till we woke up etc..I'll also have a way to raise lower the lights as needed....

Thanks for any ideas...I'd like to be ready when they get here, and also as they grow.....

Dennis

 

[justusnak]

Mr.Dad..so glad to see you are being responsible and getting prepared before they come. I have 28 peeps....they are a week old now...mine are in a 4x4 crate...about 4 ft tall. They have a heat lamp, but are in my garage..and its still pretty cool in there. This weekend, I will move my grandsons chicks, cornish X into thier own crate...same sizt, because they are growing so much faster, and I found out they need a different type of feed..as they are meat chickens.They hop like fleas....so if not tall enough they will need a top in thier crate...or box. Cardboard boxes are great for peeps...say an appliance box, cut down to a workable height. Have fun with your flock....hours and hours of fun!

 

[pegbo]

I agree. I used cardboard and duct tape so it was the size I needed. Because I kept them on an enclosed porch I just used the floor and changed shavings every day.I only covered half of the surround with cardboard for warmth.

 

[4H kids and mom]

I have my 27 brooding in a 5' x 4' box and they are now 2 weeks old and still have room to grow without being too crowded. By about 4 weeks, I would guess the box will be getting cramped with that many, and I will either expand it by adding on another box, or see if they are ready to move out to the coop with a good heat lamp.

 

[Mr.Dad]

Thanks for the ideas

 

[joanna]

my experience shows that I need a "lid" for my brooder boxes (even at 4' tall). I can't count the number of times I've had to chase baby chicks down and put them back in the box. I think you could use a variety of things to make a lid providing it allows for ventilation. I've seen old fence gates, window screens and chicken wire. not sure what works best yet.

 

[Mr.Dad]

Wow I never thought four feet wouldn't be enough......

Can I make some thing like two feet high with a flip top this way we can reach in....four feet will take some of the fun out of it for the kids....it would be a stretch for me just to reach them......

 

[Llysse]

Yes, two feet high is plenty tall for the chicks... just not tall enough to ensure they'll all stay inside without a lid