The Poultry Keeper

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

Hi, im going to hatch some chicks for the first time. I started building a brooder box today for them and the heat lamp. Im going to put 14 bantam eggs, in and hopefully get 14 chicks! but probs a couple wont be fertile.

My question is, will a wooden box 46 inches by 18 inches be ok for them? so roughly 4ft by 1 and a half.

They will probs be in there for 5-8 weeks.. think they will be ok in that ammount of space?

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

No one help me?

debcat · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject:

that space should be fine for a while,
I use indoor rabbit cages to brood mine in, really easy to clean

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

Will it be ok till there ready to go outside?

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2021 Location: norfolk

That sounds a bit small for 14 bantams TBH I wouldn't put more than 4-6 bantams in there for that length of time. I guess you could try it and give them plenty to do like hanging greens for them to peck at etc but I think you might get problems with them cannabalising and fighting.

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

I might have to make an extension once they get a bit older then.

jaydee67 · Posted: Sat Apr 26, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

I start off with them in the house in a plastic storage box then they go out into either the chick house with run which is about 3 foot square with a 4 foot by 15 foot run if they are with a broody (no electric) or a pen in the shed which is about 5x7 feet until they are off heat.

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

Hmmm maybe my 2x4 ft box is wayyy to small for 10-14 bantams.. When there a couple of weeks old i will build an extension.

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2240 Location: North Cornwall

The brooder at my side at the mo is 72x22x22. Ive got 16 in there, all cheeping away and looking at the screen. Laughing

They are 4weeks and they need getting out, it looks pretty full but most are Light Sussex X Dorking so biggies. I think they are going to have their first night without the lamp on tonight Sad

14 banties would be a bit tight at 8weeks me thinks Laughing

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

It will probs be more like 10-12 banties. But ill make an extension to add to there 4x2ft box, i havn't even put the eggs in so i have plenty of time.

Do you think if i make another 4x2ft ft to add on, to make an overall 8x4ft box be ok for 12 banties till 6-8weeks?

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2240 Location: North Cornwall

Well some bants are bigger than others, you would have to judge as they grow, but that sounds a good size brooder.

Why do you have to keep them in the brooder for so long?They wont need heat untill 8 weeks at this time of year, hopefully Rolling Eyes

Mine are 4 weeks today and are off heat now and well feathered up but I'm not going to put them out yet as the weather forcast is so rainy

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

There definetley pekin bantams, one of the smaller variety.

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

Ill leave it at 4x2 box atm, if they need more space when the time comes, ill make them a bigger box Smile

Barny_Velder · Joined: 29 Dec 2007 Posts: 164 Location: North Wales Coast

Mine are 4 foot by 18 inch, I would say max 3 weeks, then move them on or split them up.
I built a little tower three high. Top box has two lamps, middle one lamp then bottom no lamp. They get moved down one every 10 days.

JC · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 1099 Location: Sussex

Ill have to make an extension then when there older, i put the eggs in the incy today Smile

ive built them a brooder box and run so far..