Brooder Size ???

[MVFoodForest]

I will be getting our first batch of cornish cross chicks in the spring and want to build a brooder . Now I'm a little confused on how much space they need . I'd like to build one big enough to accommodate up to 50 chicks .

Any suggestions on size , shape , materials would be great .
Pictures of your own would be very helpful too .

 

[Judy]

Click on "coops" in the brown strip at the top of the page to find the section on brooders.

Size is dependent on how long you'll keep them in the brooder. I would think 0.5 sq ft per chick would be enough if you will move them to an outdoor pen by 2 weeks.

I would recommend the thread "Meaties 101" located in the sticky at the top of the meat birds section. Here is a link:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/436974/meaties-101