What size brooder do I need?

[banananutmuffin]

Say I am getting 5 standard chicks. What size brooder would I need (specifically, height?)? I've heard you need 2 sq ft of floor space per bird, but I have no idea how tall birds get by the time they're 5-6 weeks old. Thanks!

 

[FMAFarms]

I suppose it depends on what kind of an expense you want to go to! Do you want to use a cardboard box, and just switch to a larger box as the chicks get older? Do you want to use a Rubbermaid tote? Do you want to use a galvanized stock tank?

Whatever your choice, be sure that the height of the walls is at least two feet tall. At two weeks of age, your chicks will start testing their jumping ability, and some will be able to clear two feet. We put hardware-mesh screens on top of the brooders at about two to three weeks to keep them from flying out.

I would also not recommend a cardboard box. It's easier and cheaper, but you don't need your heat lamp falling in and causing a fire. Avoid plastic if you can, too, since this sometimes melts under the heat of the lamp. Galvanized steel (washtubs or stock tanks) are an excellent choice, but they are more expensive. For five standard chicks, you'd probably be fine with something that averages at 108 gallons. We got one at Tractor Supply and we have eight three-week-old bantams in there and there's still plenty of space. Good luck!

 

[Mek]

So sticking them in the shower is a good solution?

unused of course.

 

[Deanner03]

Get the BIGGEST one you can afford. Chicken math dictates that these will NOT be the only chicks you ever have. We had 10 the first round. I have 25 in brooders now, and 38 that just went into lockdown.

 

[banananutmuffin]

Ok, just to make sure. If it's 2 feet tall, their heads won't be brushing against it at 5 weeks, right. I'm pretty new to this. How tall do chickens even get?

 

[stressedout72]

We picked up 9 chicks about 3weeks ago now and we use a 48" X 24" X24"D plastic been from Walmart. We placed some chicken wire over the top for the roof area and also use 2 heat lamps in it. They are pointed down in one corner. We have them in the shed for now. I am in the process of building the coop. I am working on the Fenced area right now. the weather has not been to nice this past few weeks but, hopefully this weekend things will get better.