Suggestions please....

[ButtersMama]

First time Chicken owners here. Didn't realize how quickly they will grow. I know, a little impulsive. Well, its still very much winter here and my husband will build a coop. My chickies are approx 1 week old now. I have 5 of them. Can someone give me temporary housing ideas? I have them in a cardboard box during the day with the red light and on the kitchen table under a hanging white light during the night. (I don't trust the hot red light while we are sleeping or away). I know they will grow and I'm going to have to buy a large plastic bin for them. How long can they stay in that? Like I said, I have FIVE and I'm not going to get anymore. (I started with 3 on Wednesday and went back next day and bought #4 and then today #5)

 

[Harvey'sHens]

Hi,
I started with 5 in August. I kept mine in a kiddie pool inside a dog x-pen, with cardboard taped around the bottom of the pen to prevent drafts and escapes. They were in my 2nd bedroom and it worked out well till I could move them outside at 8 weeks or so. Just need to make sure they can't get between the pool and the x pen and be stuck. I have also used a large dog crate and that was ok for 3 full grown chickens for temporary housing.

 

[ButtersMama]

Thanks Harvey. I had to look up what an X-Pen is

I was planning on purchasing this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002ARQT6/ref=ord_cart_shr?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER for our rabbit for outdoors and exercise (it has a cover). So I think I'll use that. I'm not sure if I can find a kiddie pool this size, but I think I'll find something that fits. Thanks again!

Any other ideas welcome.

 

[CathyM]

I made a large box out of sheets of foamcore poster board (get it at stationary stores) - just taped up the sides and used double layer of cardboard on the bottom and some wiremesh across the top; it lasted me (barely) until they were able to go out to the coop at about 8-9 weeks... (it's based on temps, rather than age, but the younger they are, the warmer they need to be).