Is there such a thing as to much room?

[Toothpick]

I'm going to be getting my chicks soon and my plan is to simply use the coop as the brooder. Its 8x10 and I'll have 20 chicks. I'll have a heat lamp in there for them to huddle under during the night since it gets down to the 60's. And a thick layer of pine shavings.

But I'm wondering if there is such a thing as to much room?

My alternative is a large plastic tub or box. But I really don't want 20 chicks in the house. I'm thinking less mess, less fuss just to raise them in their coop.

Good idea?

Thanks everyone!

 

[bobbi-j]

I brood in the coop. Much better than in the house. I did block off the corners at first so they wouldn't huddle if they got scared by something (something my MIL always did, but she also raised Cornish X - maybe I don't have to, but I do). I think it's good for them to have enough room to get under the light or away from it as needed.

 

[barred2rock]

If you're going to brood in the coop I would recommend looking into the mama heat pad (MHP) method of brooding. Much more like a broody hen would brood their chicks and less fire danger than a bulb.

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x Never too much room but do consider MHP instead of heatt lamp. There's a thread here started by Blooie, check it out. Tried it once & now only way to go

 

[lazy gardener]

X3. I vote for MHP. Can't say enough good for it. I have 3 heat lamps, and plenty of bulbs available. But, they sit and gather dust in favor of my MHP. While folks say that "they are more expensive" they really are not. By the time you factor in the electricity, the HP are far less expensive. Add to that the fact that if the electricity goes out, your chicks still have a nice snug cave that will retain heat for quite some time. But if electricity goes out with a lamp, the chicks are instantly exposed to chilling ambient temps. Then... there's the more natural aspects of the MHP. IMO chicks are far better socialized and there is less issue with aggression if using a MHP. Heat lamp = bright light 24/7. Chicks do not get acclimated to natural day night cycles. They do not get those hours of night time to get the uninterrupted sleep that is a natural pattern for all animals (even nocturnal animals have uninterrupted sleep when they hole up for the day.)

As for your chicks in the coop, this is what I would do. I would shun a plastic tote like it's the plague. I would block off a corner of the coop with an appliance box, or even some hay bales, and set chicks up in there for the first week. Then, I'd remove the barrier and let them have access to the whole coop. You'll be amazed at how soon those flight feathers come in and your chicks will be flitting all over the place like a flock of parakeets.

 

[Molpet]

What LG said .. smaller area first couple of weeks.. they tend to get 'lost'.. and I can't tell you how great the heating pad is... they can sleep at night, little fire hazard, and more like a hen https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...d-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update.956958/

 

[Toothpick]

I guess that was my concern with the heating pad- the fire hazard. Since it won't be 24/7 observation. Plus I'll have to use extension cords to reach the shed. Have to do that anyway with the heat lamp though.

 

[Molpet]

lots of coop/brooder fires from lamps falling or dust igniting ... a heating pad in good shape has less of a chance to cause a fire.

 

[Folly's place]

I would block off a smaller area for the first week or so because those babies can get lost or chilled, and coming in the mail, will be stressed on arrival. I do use a heat lamp VERY CAREFULLY, although the heating pad is wonderful, and uses less electricity. Triple tie your heat lamp so there's no way it can fall, and make sure the bulb is in the socket firmly, and don't have it too close to the shavings. You will greatly appreciate having electricity in your coop!!! It's worth burying a protected line out there and having at least a couple of outlets, especially in winter. Mary

 

[lazy gardener]

lots of coop/brooder fires from lamps falling or dust igniting ... a heating pad in good shape has less of a chance to cause a fire.

Consider this: I can lay my hand on a heating pad, and leave it there indefinitely. But if I touch a heat lamp for even a second, I will get a good burn. Heating pads are designed for contact with human skin and bedding. I'd put my trust in a heating pad any day of the week over a heat lamp as far as fire safety goes. Of course, common sense prevails. I would not use an old heating pad. Those wires can get brittle over time. I have an ancient pad that hubby and I use, but I'd never consider using it for my chickies!!!