how long can I keep them in stock tank??(pics)

[pozarnsk]

I have just recieved 55 day olds in the mail and have them in two stock tanks. I have found myself a little behind on outfitting the barn/run and am wondering how long I can keep them in here?

3-4 weeks? More?

Thanks

 

[ChickenToes]

3 to 4 weeks is a good estimate, those are some mighty big tanks! You may be able to go a week longer if you need to, but the dust they kick up is unreal.

 

[pozarnsk]

Those pine shreds I'm using don't really get dusty. Its amazing how they keep the smell down. I'm starting to wonder if the coop will even smell if I use them in there as well. Maybe I'm being too optimistic......

If I can keep them in the tanks for 5 weeks I think I'll stop panicking.

 

[ChickenToes]

As they get older, they'll kick up more dust...believe me, it's nasty. I kept mine in the kitchen and had to dust everything everyday.

I think you'll be able to keep them in there for 5 weeks. I had to keep 31 five week olds in one brooder because my coop wasn't finished yet.

 

[pozarnsk]

Yeah I'm amazed how fast they grow. I've had them about 4 days now and I swear their wing feathers have grown an inch. When do they start trying to fly out? I don't need to be chasing chickens around the garage.

 

[ChickenToes]

I'm trying to remember...I think mine started 'flying' around at about 2 weeks old. They didn't fly out of the brooder until 3 or 4 weeks, I think. If it gets to be a problem, you can tape cardboard sides on the tanks.

 

[Katy]

They themselves put out a lot of dander dust...it isn't even the shavings that get dusty. It goes everywhere!

 

[pozarnsk]

Great I'm really looking forward to that. Here I thought these pine shavings were some sort of miracle cure......

 

[GRAM49]

You have got a really cool set-up. I have my little 9 in a very large tote and my hubby is in panic mode to come up with another container as they start to grow.
Gram

 

[pozarnsk]

Yeah so far so good, if people here are right and they start making a mess and stinking they may have to move out early or the wifey might "off" them. I better work faster, but there are only so many hours in the day......