I'm considering converting my rooster pen into an outdoor brooder and grow out pen. Last year I installed a 10 square foot post heated brooder pen inside the coop. It seemed to work OK, however, the older chickens got the idea that the little ones weren't allowed anywhere else in the coop. I thought it would be a better idea if I enlarged the little "mini coop" I built for my rooster while he was going through his hormonal crazies. This would allow the babies to be in their "see but don't touch" stage and they could have space to roam around and roost and do normal chicken things. This is all inside the original run and is secured from predators. The footprint of this is 4 x 6 feet and has plenty of room for little chicks. I will likely add another 12 to 16 square feet to their run that will include a small door for them to "free range" when they are old enough. Here's a picture of the "bachelor" pad. The mini coop is 2 x 2 feet and I need to add another 4 square feet to allow adequate space as they grow and feather out. I'm planning on 4 chicks. Any thoughts or suggestions? There is also an open space under the "coop."
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