Rules of thumb for a brooder

[Jtp79]

We are about to order 15 or so chicks and not sure on how specifics of a brooder.

How big does it need to be?

When can the chicks go outside to the coop? We live in middle TN.

Will my local co op have the starter feed I need or will i need to order with the chicks?

Mcmurray hatchery shows to offer vaccines? Says they will vaccinate but not to feed medicated food if they do?

Sorry we are new to this. Is there a sticky or some general info about raising baby chicks?

 

[lazy gardener]

Welcome.

You should find plenty of information on raising chicks in the learning center.

By the time the chicks are 2 - 3 weeks old, they should have 2 s.f./bird. They double their size every week! If you don't brood them in the coop, an appliance box makes a nice roomy brooder that can then be laid down in your garden paths!

I strongly recommend that you use a heating pad cave for your heat source. @Blooie has an article and a thread about the method in her signature. Much safer and more natural than using a heat lamp. More economical also, by the time you figure in your electricity.

Got your coop yet? Recommended coop size is 4 s.f. in coop per bird, 10 s.f. in run per bird. 1 l.f. of perch per bird. Perch should be at least 2' above the floor, and also above the nest boxes. There should be at least 18" of space between perch and roof of coop, and at least 12 - 15" of space behind perch. Ventilation: 1 s.f. per bird or = to 10% of floor space. You can brood your chicks right in the coop. This is much easier for all concerned.

Vaccination: While it's offered for coccidiosis, I don't know of any folks who have used it. As for that matter, many of us do not even use medicated feed. But, that's an individual decision. An other vaccine that is offered is Marek's disease. Again, that's an individual decision. Before choosing to get your chicks vaccinated for Marek's, view this short video.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/tthis-chicken-vaccine-makes-virus-dangerous

 

[Jtp79]

Yes we have the coop. Gonna work on the run this weekend. Coop is 8 by 12 built by Amish builders. We bought it used and got a great deal.

 

[azygous]

Blooie and I sort of got on the brooding outdoors thing at the same time. I was so excited over how well my chicks developed from being brooded outdoors using the heating pad system that I wrote an article about all the advantages over indoor brooding that I observed. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/r...rooder-and-start-raising-your-chicks-outdoors Now I would not do it indoors ever again.