Brooders, how many, what size ?

[giasmom]

I've got 25 RIR's and 25 W Leghorns coming soon. At first I wasn't worried , but now I'm not so sure about the amount of brooder space I will need. We have a 4x6 nesting room in a coop that I had planned on turning them loose in as soon they are old enough. So reckon how much brooder space I'll need for the first few weeks???

 

[JennsPeeps]

Actually, the nesting room will be fine! just make sure it's draft-free and put some low-hanging heat lamps in there. Raise the lamps weekly until the chicks are fully-feathered (4-5 weeks old).

 

[giasmom]

Well I was kinda thinking that same thing, just wasn't sure . Guess I needed to hear it from someone who chicks & knows what their talking about. Thanks...

 

[JennsPeeps]

There's a reason you see so many brooder set-ups on BYC: many people here are in urban areas and don't have large coops where they can separate out chicks. I've got just 2 chicks in a large rubbermaid tote in the living room right now. If I had property & a large coop or barn, I would definitely go the route you're going.

You may be surprised how quickly 50 chicks fill up a 4x6' room.

An hour ago my little munchkins were running around the house (and then I was wandering around with papertowels looking for miniature land mines).

 

[cmom]

Here is a thread with many brooder pics. Maybe it will give you some ideas.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6233