How big of a brooder for 16 chicks???

[Qi Chicken]

Ok, I've read the stickies on raising baby chicks but I couldn't find the dimensions that are required, there seem to be so many different sizes.

We are getting 16 LF in early April. I expect we will keep them inside for at least XXX weeks???? How big of a brooder will we need so that they will have enough room until they are able to go outside? I am thinking that about 4 weeks will be my husbands max!

Our coop is finished and tight but not heated. We could put a heat lamp (or two) in there but that's it. THANKS!

 

[Minniechickmama]

where do you live and what temps are you getting?

 

[felidaet]

You said the coop is "finished and tight". Hopefully "tight" does not mean air tight. Coops need to be well ventilated (but not drafty). I am getting ready to convert an unused kids playhouse to a second coop and ventilation is leaving me scratching my head more than anything. I will figure it out soon.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

At 4 weeks they will need about 12 square feet of space for 16 chicks or they'll start picking each others toes and cannibalism is a bad habit. I raise Delaware's and they are large birds. I had 16 in a 64 square foot stall by 6 weeks. They grow FAST! YOU will want them out of the house by 4 weeks, trust me, they get stinky rather quickly. They should do well in the coop with a heat light when they move outdoors, mine have. Oh and yeah ventilation is a must, make sure yours is adequate! Good luck on the babies!!!

 

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
That is too true!! Mine grew so fast that they were splitting the seams before I knew it. I am making more space as we speak, but they are at 4 weeks now and I want them in the coop!! There is so much dust in the room and a distinct odor( but not horrible), like a damp hay bale...jammed up your nose!

 

[Qi Chicken]

Hi guys! Thanks for the help, again....and again...and again!

Ok--In answer to your questions---tight as in it was built like a house and I don't think anything can get in. But we do have two regular sized windows and vents along the roof line. I asked on the deep litter post about ventilation per square feet of coop space or number of chickens but didn't really hear back. I THINK it will be ok. Pics of the coop are posted in the coop section under first pics or posting pics for the first time. Can't remember. About a week ago if you're interested!

We live in Iowa and the temps are currently in the mid 40's, they say 60 on Thursday but snow mixed with rain on the weekend.

This is the snow that actually breaks your spirit. Should be in the 50s - 60s by end of April.

I was thinking of a refrigerator box but we have two VERY sneaky cats. One, Porkchop, weighs at least 15 pounds and can actually turn door knobs. He may have been in that game cam pic that was so popular awhile back. He hides and so I am worried in one of those hectic mornings he will not actually be out of the house. Our house is 150 yrs old and the doorknobs are not all that great. I am going to look in the outbuildings to see if there is some old waterer type thing. I think we need a heavy screen or hinged lid. I don't see reluctant Bill (DH) making that! Reluctant Bill is into the IDEA of chickens but not so much into their physical selves.

Ideas welcome! Just for square footage it seems like a fridge box would still work????

 

[Cindiloohoo]

A fridge box should be great until they are fully feathered. Hopefully the weather in 4 weeks or so will be good for you to be able to put them outside if you feel the need. Also, haven't seen your coop pic, but it sounds like adequate ventilation, so that's good!

 

[Minniechickmama]

Frig box is easily enough room for them. You just want to make sure you have a way of keeping it dry for a while. I am just up the road in SE Minn. and it will depend on the weather as to how long you will need them in there. Our snow is almost gone, so I am hoping that the really good weather isn't too far away, but it is only St. Patty's Day. I have seen snow on May 1st here.
Where are you getting your chicks from? What kind?

 

[Qi Chicken]

We got our chicks from Estes Hatchery. In MN. They are supposed to have really nice Welsummers. We got 5 EEs, 2 Barred Rocks, 2 Silver laced Wyandottes, 2 Buff Orpingtons, 2 Black Australorps, 2 welsummers and a welsummer rooster. I called them today and they're going to ship on April 5th. This is very exciting!!!!!!!!!!!