How long do chicks need to be in a brooder?

[copon2900]

How long do you keep them in the brooder? I have 4 frizzles, 1light Sussex, 2 speckled Sussex, 1 buff Sussex, and 2 vorwerk eggs. They're due to hatch on Saturday so I'm not in too much of a rush. Also, I have 4 older chickens, and someone told me they might have IB. Is there anything I can do to cure them?

 

[Chick Charm]

You will find you want to keep them in the brooder until they have feathered. 4 weeks is done by many. You may be able to get away with 3 if the weather is hot enough.

What is IB?

 

[GardenDave]

I have some in the incubator which will be hatching hopefully on 19th. At this time of year I suspect they will be ready to go outside at three to four weeks, although if there is still room I will be leaving them in the brooder for a fifth week without the heat lamp just so I can keep a good eye on them to make sure they are ready.

 

[copon2900]

Thank you for your help! Surprisingly, the eggs are hatching right now! It's a bit soon, but hopefully they're ready. IB is infectious bronchitis. I will be posting some pics of the little guys once they've all hatched.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Well make sure those chicks are no where near the older ones if you think they might be sick. My chickens were actually in their brooder until 9wks (I think) because of issues having the coop built. They spent the entire day in a covered large dog kennel though and only in the brooder to sleep

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/78/infectious-bronchitis-ib

Best of luck with the hatching!

 

[copon2900]

I will make sure! I think ill keep them in the brooder a couple of weeks, thanks