How big a brooder will I need for 40 chicks

[tberggren]

To avoid pecking order issues and quarantine issues later on, I ordered everything I wanted at once. And because you don't get a 100% hatch rate I've got over 40 eggs coming.

Assuming that most hatch

How big a brooder will I need. I was looking through the brooder thread but didn't see anyone with a set up for so many chicks. Of course I will admit I only looked through the first few pages then got lazy.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[MissPrissy]

The quarrantine issues are when getting older chicks and more mature chickens.

When you hatch your eggs it is not so much an issue as the chicks start out in your own environment and begin to develop the 'local' flora and fauna immunities. By the time your new hatchlings would be large enough (16+ weeks) to go in the main run they will fit right in. You won't have severe illness issues.

Don't be too worried. If you are planning to hatch all your chicks for your flock you will be just fine.

As far as the pecking order - you never can be sure what will shake it up. It does happen.

 

[kstaven]

If they are staying in the same brooder for 4 - 6 weeks or so you will want at least 1 sq ft per bird. Even then that is pushing it.

 

[tberggren]

Thank you,
I appreciate you input.
With that in mind I think I will do a two stage brooder system.