So far so good with our first flock of Rhode Island Reds. First lesson learned, make sure your brooder box is big enough to raise the chicks from day one till they go to the great outdoors. We built our new brooder box this weekend and it's been well received by our flock if 12. Second lesson learned is to be prepared for years like this where winter seems to last Forever. The chicks may have to spend extra weeks in protective quarters. Here's our new and improved brooder box