how large a brood area or mulitples

[jcschild]

HI been lurking for years and should have had girls a long time ago.
but an out of state move (and building a house that took me almost a yr alone) delayed it.

my intent is to have heritage chickens as dual purpose and do it as if it were the 1800's !
in other words completely homesteaded as if i had no power (just in case it happens)
i will build to accommodate up to 50 (12x12).
my question is since i expect my girls to set do i need separate brood areas or just 1 large one? or just let them be
in the nesting boxes.

thanks
Scott

 

[kyeschicks]

That's a good question. I would personally have a different brood area when they're broody (if you have a lot of chickens) just so that other hens do try to stress the broody hen out and try to lay eggs in the nesting box and pick at her. The size would depend on how many hens you have broody at the same time. I would probably make a large brood enough for about 10 hens if you're planning on having 50. I believe the rule is 2 to 3 sqft per chicken. So then a brood area about 30 sqft. Just my two cents, let's see what others recommend. Also keep in mind to allow some space for the hens to walk around a little with their chicks.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

You'll want either no brood area or multiple brood areas. Moving a bird stresses, and you don't want a stressed broody mama to suddenly be in contact with chicks that are not theirs.

My broody place when I seperate hens is either a 2x3 space or a 2x4 depending simply in which flock it is. I try not to have to seperate them though from the main flock

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Also know you could get the dang broodies breed (Like silkies or cochins) and they might not go broody for years if at all. There isn't a way to make them go broody