Brooder Size - how long can they fit in here?

[scrange79]

Hi All. I'm going to be getting my first chicks in two weeks. We were planning on using a (brand new) horse watering trough. Dimensions: 1 ft high, 2 ft wide, 4 ft long. We are planning on getting 10 standard size chicks. My question is, how long will 10 chicks be able to happily reside in a brooder of this size? The coop isn't ready yet and probably won't be ready until the chicks are about 6-8 weeks old. (my hubby is in school and doesn't finish until May 20th - we are hoping to have the coop done by July 1st, or so). Is this big enough, or should we spring for the trough that is 6 ft long?
Thank you,
Angie

 

[homesteadinmama]

If the coop won't be ready til they are 6weeks, I'd get the bigger one. 2ftx4ft is 8sq ft of space. I think until they are 8 weeks 1 sq/ft per bird is okay, but that is only for 8 birds, if you got 10 then 2x6 is 12. more space is better. Good luck!

 

[Judy]

I've seen 1 sq ft per chick recommended up to 8 weeks, and I've seen 2.5 sq ft recommended for 4-8 weeks.

Although come to think of it, the source that said 1 sq ft also said to debeak them at some age or another -- funny I don't remember what age --

 

[scrange79]

Quote:
oh thanks! I wasn't thinking in terms of square feet....duh. After all the research I've done, I should have thought of that. There is so much to remember, I really don't want to mess up with these little sweeties. I will be sure to post pics when they arrive.

 

[scrange79]

Can anyone tell me this: how old can you clip the chicken's wings? so they can't fly away.....
Angie

 

[scottfarm]

Get The Bigger Size. Good Luck

 

[Melinda35]

I would go with something taller than one foot. I just had Barred Rocks and EEs in a brooder that was about 3 feet tall and they were flying out at about two weeks. I had to put a top on it. I did clip their wings at two weeks. I don't know if this was good or bad and I am not sure that it helped any. I ended up moving them to the coop at 4 weeks just because they were so rambunctious. Last year though I had RIRs and Ideal 236 (just white layer) and 6 ducks in a kiddie pool that wasn't more than two feet high and don't remember having this much trouble. It could depend on the breed but this is just my experience. I really think at 6 - 8 weeks they are going to be a lot bigger than you realize.

Good luck!

 

[scrange79]

Quote:
I know. I'm starting to notice pictures of what a 6 week old looks like, and that's actually why I started this thread. We were planning on putting a mesh lid on the brooder and I think I might just have to light a fire under my hubby's rear when in comes to coop building. I really appreciate everyone's help. Everyone is so nice here at BYC.