Increase size of brooder?

[AWoodward]

Hi folks! I'm brand-spanking new to raising chickens and have a question about my brooder size and if I need to increase it. I have three 4 day olds (two Cinnamon Queens and one New Hampshire) in a box measuring 1.5' X 2' X 1.5' (your basic moving box, really). They are doing great and we love them so much! Their chicken tractor won't be ready for another 3 or 4 weeks so what should I do in the meantime? Keep this box? Is it too small already? Do I need to graduate them to a bigger brooder?

Thanks for your help!

 

[donrae]

Easiest thing to do is get another box, tape them together side by side and cut a door between them. Keep the heat lamp in one box, put the feed and water in the other. Easily doubles their space, plus breaks line of sight to make them feel less crowded. They're probably okay now, but they'll grow so much faster than you think! You'll need more space in the next week or so, I'd say. I always give more space if I can.

 

[AWoodward]

donrae, you are a goddess! What a great idea! Those girls are going to love their new addition!

 

[donrae]

Wow! You're welcome. Hope they like their new home.

Wish I could double MY living space that easily!!