The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: FrostyM on April 29, 2013, 07:10:37 pm
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I was just wondering if anyone here has any advice for me. I will hopefully be getting a dozen la bresse day old chicks in the next week. I have a plastic crate which i was planning on using for a brooder but when i set it up today with the feeder, drinker etc it looks a little small. It will be fine for a week i would imagine but probably not much longer.
I am currently thinking about building a plywood box to use as a brooder. I have read a few different sizes needed for birds at different ages and was thinking a 3ft X 4ft box with 18-24" high sides. Would this be big enough for 12 chicks? I haven't kept this breed before but I am told they are a quick maturing breed so I was thinking they would be ready to move outdoors in 4-6 weeks, although this is an estimate and weather permitting.
Also I am hoping to breed from these for meat each year so will probably be using this brooder a few times a year and might want to raise a few more than 12 at a time, possibly 20? How big would people suggest for a brooder for that many chicks?
Thanks for reading, any advice is welcome
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I found that a blow up paddling pool makes a really good brooder, was lucky enough to find some in Asda for a fiver at the mend of the summer. At least you can give the a good wash out between hatchings.
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I found that a blow up paddling pool makes a really good brooder, was lucky enough to find some in Asda for a fiver at the mend of the summer. At least you can give the a good wash out between hatchings.
That is an excellent idea :thumbsup: