how many days in the brooder?

[calihawker]

Hi! Well my first hatch of coturnix chicks went well. I got a 74% hatch rate which I thought was ok for my first time and having eggs shipped across the country.
I wanted to ask how long I need to keep them in the brooder. I have read 4 weeks but I have 70 chicks in a 24x48 brooder and to me they already look crowded. They are not quite 2 weeks old.

Thanks for your reply!

Oh, and here's some pics. I know everyone likes pics

 

[gamebirdboy]

Are you going to move them outdoors? If so what is the weather like?

 

[calihawker]

They'll be out but in a shed. We have some wacky weather right now in California. Snow, like for real,

but next week will be in the 80's

 

[Stellar]

I would keep them in the brooder for 4 weeks at least, then move them to a grow out pen with an accessible heat lamp.

 

[_Randall_]

If'n that little fuzz-ball in the bottom pic turns out to be a male, you gotta name him Jonah.........cause I can see "gobble up" in ol' whale-wannabe's eyes!

 

[shelleyd2008]

If you are able to close off their outside (shed) pen and add a heat light they would be fine going outside. They don't have to stay inside in a tote for very long. Just be sure they are free from drafts and you have a warm area for them to go to.

ETA: You can cover their pen in your shed with a tarp or some wood then put a heat light in one end of it.

 

[calihawker]

Quote:
No, not Polar Bear, he loves his babies!

Thanks for the replies!