Starting chicks at this time of year?

[NashChic]

I think the size you're looking at would be fine for 4 birds... especially if it will be moved around the yard like a tractor (so they would have fresh ground every couple days). Extending the egg box out would also help with the space.

As far as the "bantams," if you're getting RIRs or EEs from the local feed store, they will most likely be LF (large fowl). Bantam would mean they're like "dwarf" chickens - very small with very small eggs. Many breeds are available in both bantam and LF. Large fowl birds aren't necessarily huge chickens. It depends on the breed. Some LF breeds are huge, like Jersey Giants, but others that are breed only for egg production aren't really very big chickens, like many sex-links. I think bantams are cute, and I have some silkies, but for eggs I have LF.

ETA: If you're looking for a "regular" chicken, that would be considered LF

 

[Chicky Jean]

Thank you Nash, the clarification is helpful. So what I have (as of 20 minutes ago!!) is 4 LF chicks, but I chose varieties that are not the really big ones: one RIR, one barred rock, and two aracaunas. So I guess I'll get to work on adding that nest box and figuring out some extra space for them as they grow!

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. It sounds like you have a handle on things. Do you have a picture of your rabbit hutch. I have a rabbit hutch too that I have used as a brooder and also a chicken jail.

 

[morninggloryhatchery]

I think they look like EE's to me dangerboy. Theylook very simular to mine when i got mine. But not possitive. Still a chance it is something other than EE



Joy

 

[Chicky Jean]

Here's a pic of the hutch, it's in our garage right now. There's a door on the side right now where I'm going to add a next box later on.