Opinions on raising chicks in coop?

[Peeps298]

I recently lost a Blackstar hen to a raccon and want to replace her with a new chick or two. Do you guys think with the nicer weather upon us i could raise the chicks in my coop with a heat lamp if I can secure an area for them that the current adult hens could not get at them?

 

[Fred's Hens]

OH sure. Folks have brooded in barns since forever. Me included. Safety is number one, as always.

 

[Peeps298]

thank you.

 

[Buff-Island-Australorp]

That's the best place to keep your chicks in my opinion. No dust and no extra smells to have to cover up if raised in your house.

 

[kla37]

If I had had a place to raise my chicks outside my house, I would have! Go for it!

 

[Steph Martin]

I raised mine out in a rickety shed with a heat lamp in a re-purposed rabbit cage. Didn't lose one.

 

[debid]

I would have if the coop had been finished in time! I'm using a brooder box outdoors (covered porch) and they seem perfectly happy with the arrangement. I'll never raise chicks indoors after seeing how much mess is involved. Even with 4 solid sides, there is a smell and I can't help but spill a little when I'm changing the litter. I sure as heck wouldn't want dirty litter on my floors