How big CAN my brooder be?

[jma6004]

I currently have 23 Cornish X, 12 days old. I have moved them from the equivalent of a large rubber maid container to about a 4' x 6' enclosure in a barn stall. I want to open the whole barn stall to them soon. That would be 8' x 12'. I just worry that with my light not being in the center that they will get cold when they move too far from the light. Do they need about 85 degrees in the whole area that they are in or do they just need an area thats the right temperature under the light? Is 8 x 12 too big for 23 cornish X at 12 days old? There is some areas where a draft may be possible in the stall near the door which as of now they do not have access to. Thanks for the help.

 

[Judy]

#3. There is really no such thing as too much space, but at that age, I would be cautious of drafts. Much better that they be able to choose warmer or colder spots. With Cornish X, from what I've read (I've never had any,) they're likely to be healthier if they are encouraged to move around.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

#3--Def. agree with Flockwatcher. Let them move around--they'll be healthier and grow better. Although meaties aren't the smartest bulbs out there, they are smart enough to regulate their temperature and will come back under the light when they need it, and will move away when they get too hot. I believe more people harm meat birds with too much heat than too little, for example when they have a small brooder with two heat bulbs over it so there is no cooler side. Instead of putting your heat lamp in the middle of your space, put it in the warmest, snuggest corner so that the walls of the stall radiate the heat back to the birds.

That being said, do stop the drafts. Blowing air will suck the heat right out of a young bird, even if they are right under the heat lamp. A few straw bales set around the stall will do it.