MainePoultry's 1st Flock

[debid]

Some stuff I picked up, still need ACV and Vaseline. And I plan on a futon box for my brooder... How big should I have for 10-15 chicks? I'm about to go set my order in stone!

1 sq. ft. per chick is the minimum I see most often. Of course, they won't mind if you give them more room. It's worth noting that they begin to fly at two to three weeks so if the sides aren't 4', you'll want a screen of some sort to keep them inside.

 

[MainePoultry]

11 barred Plymouth rocks and 4 buff orpingtons. Due march 12

 

[debid]

Nice! My mom has Rocks and they're sweet hens. Good layers of big eggs, too.

 

[tadpole98]

One square foot is average space for them.
And in that photo it appears you bought a small bag of chick starter. You will need to feed them chick starter till they begin to lay. It's much more cost efficient to buy the bigger bag.
Have fun with your chicks!

 

[Debs55]

You can also use flock raiser to feed them and I've found it is cheaper than starter and have never had problems with it

 

[MainePoultry]

It doesn't have to be medicated the whole time does it?

 

[Debs55]

Nope. Most times I even start mine on flock raiser unless I just have bag of starter laying around

 

[debid]

I used Flock Raiser instead of chick starter with my first batch also. There is some risk involved with going unmedicated and strong arguments can be made in either direction. I may be medicating this time because the chicks will be living in close proximity to the adults but I'm researching a bit more before I decide.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

11 barred Plymouth rocks and 4 buff orpingtons. Due march 12

Looking at your supplies I'd suggest returning the feed and bedding to buy in bulk. You'll use a 3 sqft bale of pine shaving throughout the summer and they are only $5 that size compared to the over priced small bags sold in front of stores. The small bags of feed are over priced too, you'll go through 50 lbs of feed in two weeks once they are grown. Not a problem to feed them starter/grower blend until they are ready to lay. Just change to unmedicated after 8-10 weks or don't use medicated at all.

For brooder space it depends how long you intend to brood them, how your weather is to put outside. 0.5 sqft per chick is perfect to 3 weeks then it's crowded, I push mine to 4 weeks in that space but if you brood longer you'll definitely want to account for a square foot per bird.

 

[MainePoultry]

Ok I'll look into bigger bags, I knew I'd have to get more i just wanted to have some on hand right away. Ill look into flock raiser.... and i need to wait for non medicated after 8 weeks? Wowsers 25lbs a week eh? No problem but I was hoping to bring that number down by supplementing with greens and mealworms. Can a minimal commercial feed diet be attained?