How much space per chick in the brooder?

[stone_family3]

trying to figure out how much space I'm going to need. Also how close should I put the heat lamp? What temp should it be at?

 

[Judy]

One plan I've read: they need 0.5 sq ft per chick for 2 weeks, then 1 sq ft for 2 weeks, then 2.5 for the next 4 weeks. Simplest way to figure out the heat is set it up and get an inexpensive thermometer, before the chicks arrive, then adjust as necessary according to how they behave. Best to set it up at one end so they can each choose a warmer or cooler area.

You might want to check out the learning center for the writeups on getting started.

 

[berniezahm]

Temp should start out at about 95 degrees on brooder floor. You can lay a thermometer on the floor and check temp. Each week raise the lamp enough to lower thetemp 5 degrees. After 8 weeks you can do away with the heat lamp, as they will be fully feathered and can take most temops unless it is bitter cold outside. Just after hatching chicks need about 6 square inches of floor space each. As they grow they will need more and more space. They should each have room to lay down with some free space around each chick. They will start pecking each other and dirty up the floor faster than you can reasonably clean it, if they get to crowded. The space that you can brood twenty new hatched chicks in won't be enough for six chicks at 7 or 8 weeks of age.

 

[stone_family3]

Thanks guys