Grow Out Pens

[enggass]

I see people talking about grow out pens. I assume this is the space used after the brooder, but before the coop.
How much space should I alot to 'teen' birds - maybe 8 weeks to 24 weeks of age?

 

[A.T. Hagan]

3-5 sq feet per bird for dual-purpose sized, 3 sq ft or so for smaller such as Leghorns, two for bantams. That's what I use.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

I'd love to see photos of them, too....I am in the process of designing a specific area as one....

 

[enggass]

A.T. Hagan :

3-5 sq feet per bird for dual-purpose sized, 3 sq ft or so for smaller such as Leghorns, two for bantams. That's what I use.

These will be LF dual-purpose. I will have them inside of a sizeable run area abutting the run of my current flock so they get used to seeing each other. I guess my question only pertains to interior space.
It will be Spring so they will probably be using the run quite a bit. I know the 'standard' is 4sqft/bird inside, but can I go smaller than that at this age?
This would be for just a few weeks while I get there new coop ready.​

 

[midget_farms]

I build a large area in my garage using old storm windows. maybe 5 ft by 5 ft. When this gets too small I add another window. Once they are about 3-4 months old they go out with the rest in the big girl coop.

 

[gryeyes]

Sometimes my grow-out coops become permanent lodgings, but without the temporary fencing around 'em. The kids want to keep returning to "their" coop at night. After a while, there is some "coop hopping" and I'll find a different mix of young chickens staying in this or that coop. Also, the two adult hens I've rescued have each left the segregation/integration "jail" coop to move in with others.

Interesting to see who bunks with whom.

If you're not a handy type of person, or don't have the time (but you do have the money), some of those coop kits on eBay serve very well as grow-out coops. They often have attached run/pen sections, so you can forgo the temporary fencing materials.

 

[enggass]

I build a large area in my garage using old storm windows. maybe 5 ft by 5 ft. When this gets too small I add another window. Once they are about 3-4 months old they go out with the rest in the big girl coop.

Well, what I've got currently is a 3'x4' plywood brooder that is 2' deep. I have added a pop door and window to it already.
My plan is to move it outside and put a nice roof on it when the birds feather out - around 6 to 8 weeks.
This will be housed inside of a large fenced in area next to the run of my current flock. It will be primarily their sleeping space.
How many young birds do you think could accomodate this setup at the 2-4 month old range?​

 

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
To me, tweeners are the 4-8 week old chicks! I know some breeds mature slower, but by then they are usually ready for the big house!

 

[enggass]

Well maybe not tweeners, but certainly not full grown or fully matured.

 

[gryeyes]

I brood mine until 8 wks, sometimes a bit more, and then they grow out until at least 12 weeks in their separate quarters.
But I don't have just ONE grow out coop facility and one main coop. My back yard is the Olmstead Homestead Chicken Compound.

This sign is attached to the front wall of the house in which I live.