Thinking about raising a few - size of brooder needed?

[BlossomSilkies]

I'm thinking about buying a couple day olds to raise, about 2, maximum of 4. I would keep them inside, and I was thinking about some sort of a small pet cage as a brooder. I would want something that was fully enclosed because we do have a kitty inside. Also would want the right size so that they wouldn't outgrow their space before we put them out with the rest of the flock.

What size cage would I need? Any other hints or tips?

Thanks all!

 

[Judy]

Here's a guideline I read on here:

.5 sq ft per bird, first two weeks
1 sq ft per bird, weeks 3 and 4
2.5 sq ft per bird, 4-8 weeks


Although if your climate is a warm one, I doubt you will need to wait 8 weeks. At 8 weeks they are considered fully feathered and definitely ready to go outside.

 

[Judy]

They really don't need anything but food, water and warmth -- and often not as much warmth as the charts say; be sure you don't cook them. A disadvantage of a few chicks in a small brooder is it's too small for there to be much temp difference, so if they are too warm they are stuck with it. Broody raised chicks are outdoors in most any weather above freezing within the first few days. Mine never went under mama during the day for warmth unless it was below around 40; at night they do gather under her for sleep. A thermometer in a brooder is a good idea, but judge by how the chicks act, too. If they sleep most of the time during the day, especially after 3 or 4 days, they may be hot.

Have you thought about litter? People use so many things, puppy pads, old cloth towels (just wash them; they need to not have loose threads,) rubbery shelf liners (again, just wash and reuse,) adult incontinence pads, you name it. Some pine shavings are nice for odor control, but if I did it again I'd use something over them like the rubber shelf liner that I could wash, or a bunch of old tea towels.