What size brooder?

[chickenphile]

How big should me brooder be. I plan on hatching around 3 dozen eggs but it is my first time so and some of the eggs are shipped so I am assuming a 50% hatch success. So for 18 chicks how big of a brooder do I need to grow these chicks to at least 6 weeks old. I will be getting dorkings,Silkies,Bantam favorlles, bantam EEs through the mail. I am trying to hatch some of my chickens eggs(silkie,cochin,jersey giant,golden comets,california white,NH) . I currently have one of the big rubbermaid containers.

I was wondering if any one have used a dog crate or carrier as a brooder also?

thanks
Chris

 

[Oceanseve]

There are lots of dog crates in the sticky brooder thread.

Storey's guide says 1/2 sq ft to 4 week 1 sq ft till 8 weeks? I think.... something like that.