How many should I start with? and what breed?

[hemibob67]

Thanks. great information. I planned on using a tractor but dont know how big I need to make it for 25. What do you suggest? also for 25 Cornish x how much food should I buy for 8 weeks if I buy in bulk?

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[bigredfeather]

For 25 chicks, you can get by with a 5'x9' tractor. It will get a little crowded at 7-8 weeks, but they will be fine. I usually figure at least 15 pounds of feed each from start to finish, assuming you keep them 8 weeks.

 

[hemibob67]

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Thanks. I thought it would have to be much bigger than that. When you buy bulk feed how does it come? is it still in bags and you are just getting a quantity discount?

 

[bigredfeather]

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Mine comes in 50 pound bags, just like any other feed. The mill I use has a 500 pound minimum. I have combatted the feed getting old by finding someone to split it with me. The first 500 pounds gets eaten up pretty slow, but after 5 weeks old, I use it fast enough that I don't need to worry about it.

 

[EGGTASKTIC]

I use an 8x10 tractor. Only because that is the wood I had around, so that is the size I made it.
Bigredfeather is on the money with 15lbs to about 8 weeks.
I agree with trying to split a bulk order of feed. I was only able to do this once so far, seems I can never find a partner to split with when I need feed. I must admit that I usually end up buying a bag of chick starter, because I am a sucker, and end up getting chicks before I get to the mill. Once we get rolling, there is enough turn around to keep the feed fresh. I give some too the layers if I am not using it up fast enough.

 

[hemibob67]

Everybody on here is great, I have really been learning a lot. I found the plans on here for Karl O'Melays 8x10 tractor and I think thats the route I'm going to go on housing the birds. I will start searching for people to buy feed with. If anybody is in NE Indiana let me know.