Space for grow-out pen??!?

[FarmerJohn3285]

I've got 9 mixed LF, 2 weeks old. Will be needing to go to a grow out pen in 2 weeks to make room for more day olds in my brooder. I have a old rabbit hutch 4'x4'.....is this enough room for them?

I was thinking of fencing in the bottom and little bit out to make for a little run for the 4 wk olds. What do ya'll think???

 

[Lbrad7]

I think the 4x4 space would be ok until they are about 6 or 7 weeks but I would get that extra space built as soon as possible. It's always better to have extra room than not enough.

 

[gryeyes]

Although grow out coops can be smaller because the chicks aren't full grown, 4x4 is awfully small for NINE chickens. I forced six to live in that sized coop and while they spent all of their time during the day outside in the little penned area, only going inside to sleep, they were very crowded very quickly.

 

[FarmerJohn3285]

Well I don't plan on the 9 being in there from now until forever, but at least til they are big enough to go with the bigger girls...at what age do you think they should be big enough? again, they are mixed LF birds.