Brooder size

[CountryRoosterUSA]

I'm getting 10 chicks from TSC, and was wanting to know just how big the brooder would have to be, ?x?x? to keep them in till they are feathered out. I have a grow out pen after that, until big enough to go in the coop with the others. I have never had chicks before, only adult birds, so I'm really not to sure of the size I need. Thanks

 

[Ridgerunner]

When do you consider them feathered out enough to go to the grow-out pen? Mine go out somewhere around 4 to 5 weeks of age, depending on weather. Some people keep them in the brooder until they are 8 or 10 weeks old. There is a whole lot of difference in a 4 week old and 8 week old.

I keep my brooder in the coop. If you have electricity, maybe you could put the brooder in the grow-out pen or the coop and not have them in the house at all. All you need for a brooder is to keep it dry and keep direct drafts off the chicks. I set a heat lamp at one end of the brooder and let the rest cool off as it will, often down to the 40's or 50's in the cooler months. That way, they can find their own comfort zone and I don't have to worry about keeping all of the brooder a perfect temperature. Many people would be surprised at how much time four day old chicks spend in those cooler areas, then go back to the heat to warm up.

As far as minimum size, for the first four weeks, I'd want at least a half a square foot (6" x 12") for each chick. After that, I'd want at least a full square foot per chick. But providing more than the absolute minimum is not a disaster. I actually think extra space is a good thing.

 

[CountryRoosterUSA]

I was thinking about putting them outside in the grow out pin at about 5 or 6 weeks.
As soon as they feather out.