CHICK SUPPLIES CHECKLIST 101 | What You Need PRIOR To Buying Baby Chickens | BACKYARD POULTRY CARE

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  • Опубликовано: 25 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 302

  • @patpeters9334
    @patpeters9334 3 года назад +270

    I already commented. But, as the video goes on, I am just flabbergasted at the info, quality, and concisement of this video. It is definitely a 10 out of a possible 5. Fabulous. Must see for new chicken people.

  • @calmic75
    @calmic75 3 года назад +127

    This is a very good, quite informative channel. No fluff. All info. No click bait. Titles are succinct. This what a channel should.

  • @BethNichol2025
    @BethNichol2025 2 года назад +7

    I know of a person who had chicks, in a container in their basement. I do not know what kind of container they were in, but the heat lamp fell over and caught the house on fire. They lost all the chicks, their dog, the house, but they made it out alive. Good reminder about heat lamps.

  • @sarahquadros3127
    @sarahquadros3127 3 года назад +72

    would love a video that goes from chicks to young hens to moving to outdoor coop adults.

  • @storieswithmamac3014
    @storieswithmamac3014 3 года назад +109

    A lot of us ARE beginners! Thank you for such a thorough run down. I can’t wait to try our first hatching and brooding venture!

  • @eddieabernathy5998
    @eddieabernathy5998 3 года назад +81

    We are now using a chick brooder heater. Last week we had a brand new heat lamp explode over our chicks. Thankfully there were no injuries. I hope everyone can learn from my mistake.

    • @rosaloving9106
      @rosaloving9106 3 года назад +9

      Heard that can happen and catch not only your brooder but house on fire. I switched to a radiant heater, and if safe enough for shavings should work with paper towels.

  • @karalyntwidle7391
    @karalyntwidle7391 3 года назад +49

    I use that rubberised non slip lkitchen cupboard liner on top of newspaper to stop the chicks from getting splayed legs. So easy to wash by throwing the used liner in the washing machine and can be reused over and over again.

  • @christineschmitt2661
    @christineschmitt2661 3 года назад +25

    I cut out a big hole leaving the sides of the tote lid and secure hardware cloth so I didn't have to make a frame for the lid.

  • @kendratai
    @kendratai 3 года назад +30

    It's funny how similar this checklist is to taking care of little humans

  • @chrishellemaitland5775
    @chrishellemaitland5775 2 года назад +14

    I use a homemade electrolyte water for my baby chicks and full sz birds during hot weather. It's 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon sugar added to 1 gallon cold water. I also freeze this mixture into cubes & plastic containers to add to the watering cans. It keeps my chickens hydrated and happy. And for their entertainment and enjoyment I also put some scratch grains & frozen mixed veggies in a lg cool whip bowl whith water and freeze it. Then pop it out on the ground for them to peck at.

  • @fancythat5136
    @fancythat5136 6 месяцев назад +2

    We just bought 12 chicks from Rural King, very healthy and good variety. Thanks for the great informative video. We are using the brooder heater and they work very well to keep them warm. They go in and out as needed.

  • @carlosmangrobang5629
    @carlosmangrobang5629 3 года назад +31

    So complete. Better than liquid courage. Thank you for being so thorough. I'm now one step closer to owning chickens.

  • @srslymorgan
    @srslymorgan 3 года назад +34

    I’m binging all your chicken videos - thank you for being so detailed!! We got ours yesterday and it had been a dream of mine for FIVE years! So excited to have them and just want to give them a good life ❤️

  • @chocolatesmyjam8480
    @chocolatesmyjam8480 3 года назад +23

    I am a soon-to-be chick mama and your videos are really helping my anxiety and stress with the new responsibility😅 Love your videos!❤️

  • @rachaelv6632
    @rachaelv6632 3 года назад +9

    You can use the lid of the tub just cut out the middle and put hardware cloth on it

  • @jeffhrdlicka4788
    @jeffhrdlicka4788 3 года назад +42

    Please Hurry up with your next video!! My chicks are coming April 7th and you are a huge help and wealth of chicken knowledge. Appreciate all you guys do, keep up the great work

    • @cathyl4622
      @cathyl4622 3 года назад +7

      Mine are coming tomorrow. I have been reading, researching and watching RUclips for hours a day. I think its like childbirth you never feel completely prepared.

    • @949needleguy
      @949needleguy 3 года назад +5

      @@cathyl4622 Mine are coming tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • @cathyl4622
      @cathyl4622 3 года назад +6

      @@949needleguy Good luck. There is a lady on Chickenlandia channel. She is cooky but good advice. I got one chick this morning that was not doing well. I gave weak green tea and electrolytes in a syringe and she parked up in an hour.

    • @dxn1el-on-60fps5
      @dxn1el-on-60fps5 3 года назад +3

      How are they doin ?

    • @jeffhrdlicka4788
      @jeffhrdlicka4788 3 года назад +2

      @@dxn1el-on-60fps5 ordered 10 got 11, one was a little weak for a day and was getting picked on, gave electrolytes and she came back around. Starting to feather out and get bigger now, still in brooder.

  • @oreocookie3185
    @oreocookie3185 Год назад +2

    Thank you so much! You are my go to gal for baby chicks 101….praying I can get our dogs used to the chicks..

  • @kmersmann8040
    @kmersmann8040 Год назад +6

    Ever since my very first flock, right when we bring the chicks home, I start saying "chickchickchickchickchickchick" when i bring their food in, and shake the can of feed. It is so awesome how fast they learn and then when they get older, they run toward me like a football team when I holler for them or they hear the shake can. ❤

  • @arya-ahsan
    @arya-ahsan 2 года назад +16

    I am amazed. this video was absolutely extraordinary. I literally had the small idea of raising a baby chick so I did a little research and came across this video. I am convinced on buying a chick now. the information you gave was easy to understand. I can't even thank you enough for this 💖💖

  • @riri4ever143
    @riri4ever143 3 года назад +25

    Also! Do you have a timeline video from the day you receive the chicks to when you move them to your outside coop? Thanks !

  • @nataliesutherland514
    @nataliesutherland514 3 года назад +10

    One of the most helpful baby chick videos I have found, thank you!

  • @NutsNBolts24
    @NutsNBolts24 2 года назад +1

    My brother would get 1"X1" wood strip, cut it to fit around the outside of the chick box. Then staple metal window screen to it. The wood blocking is heavy enough to keep it solidly in place. If using outdoors he would add a 1"X4"X3/4" strip across the middle and set a brick on it. This center strip also can have a handle attached to it.

  • @eddieabernathy5998
    @eddieabernathy5998 3 года назад +3

    Providing grit will help cut down feed cost. It makes vitamins and nutrients more available from the feed.

  • @matcha8904
    @matcha8904 3 года назад +3

    I've always used a glass jar for brooder waterers, they haven't knocked them over yet. (Knock on wood.) Rubber water troughs make good brooders as well and hold heat well without getting too hot or soaking up any moisture from spills. I've heard sand recommended for a brooder substrate many times but have personally never tried it.

  • @4biggrizz
    @4biggrizz 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for all the info. Greatly appreciated. it's been 30 years since my last chickens. Here we go again. thanks again.

  • @eddieabernathy5998
    @eddieabernathy5998 3 года назад +3

    I purchased a poultry tent from Amazon for $20 We also use it in the winter in our patio if it gets too cold for our girls.

  • @Cogzed
    @Cogzed 3 года назад +4

    Industrial hemp for bedding. Nothing better. Change it out once a year using the deep litter method. Great video. Thanks.

  • @americandefender6884
    @americandefender6884 2 года назад +2

    I ordered chicks through the mail from Cackle Hatchery and they all showed up ALIVE and well! Thanks so much for your video! I wanted to double check to ensure I had all necessary supplies!

  • @NeedsMoreToys
    @NeedsMoreToys 2 года назад +3

    Great tips. My poults like to sit on top of the water bottle and poop in the water ruining it until I change it. So I place the water bottle under a board screwed on the wall to prevents that. As soon as possible I graduate them to to an adult waterer.

  • @ddthompson42
    @ddthompson42 3 года назад +2

    I got my first chicks last week and set them up in an old dog crate. I used cardboard along the inside to keep them from trying to squeeze through the bars, with higher pieces around the sides we don't use to view and access the chicks to limit drafts. With just the brooder heater (ambient temps between 66 and 70F and a space heater to guard against anything lower) and natural light from the nearby window, they're happy and healthy.
    Happy chickening, all!

  • @grandma6552
    @grandma6552 3 года назад +2

    VELCRO! Easy to remove "top" part to clean/refill and easy to remove lower part when done.

  • @AHomesteadingHustle
    @AHomesteadingHustle 2 года назад +3

    We have used an old window screen to keep our chicks in and keep the dust down and it seems to work pretty well! This video is excellent by the way! I recently made a video with similar information but yours is way more descriptive!

  • @light_and_sound
    @light_and_sound 2 года назад +2

    This is my first season raising baby hens. I hung their waterer and feeder with chain from the lid that I made out of old fencing. They were making a mess before I did that!

  • @coffeeandcrayons
    @coffeeandcrayons 2 года назад +2

    Oh my gosh this was SO HELPFUL. I want chickens so badly, but most videos assume you know the basic things. But I don't! I only know one person who has had chickens and she had a basic set up (which is fine, but we want to do LOTS of batches of chicks so are investing). So she can help some but I like to know all options that are out there. THANK YOU!

  • @jaybird4610
    @jaybird4610 Год назад +1

    “Popcrning” is a perfect term. When I hatch birds and open the incubator the first time popcorning is an understatement. Lol
    Great vid. Thank you

  • @patpeters9334
    @patpeters9334 3 года назад +6

    I have watched many, many similar videos. This is the absolute best intro to starting raising chickens. Thank you so very much for this GREAT video. I really wish they would let me give even a higher rating. The best part of this video is that it is so concise. Tons of info fast and efficient. Thank you so much you

  • @mamabear8590
    @mamabear8590 3 года назад +11

    🐣THANK YOU 🐥THANK YOU!!!🐔
    This is so very helpful.
    We are getting our very 1st chicks April 2 and
    Hubby is building us a coop similar to the new one you built.
    Looking forward to your upcoming videos 👍🏼

  • @theyalwaysknow
    @theyalwaysknow 3 года назад +14

    I've been wondering where you went! Glad to see you back! Need another WI girl to guide me in my chicken adventures 😄

    • @agrarianarc
      @agrarianarc 3 года назад +1

      Wisconsin girls unite ✌🏼

  • @midnightdemon2112
    @midnightdemon2112 Год назад +2

    My parents are getting some chickens and just watching/ listening to your videos have been super helpful and i cant wait to start my own flock

  • @irfanahmad93
    @irfanahmad93 9 месяцев назад +1

    How about putting a brick or something heavy and safe on top of the water or feeder so they wont knock it over. Or maybe suspend it somehow with a string.

  • @Power_Prawnstar
    @Power_Prawnstar 11 месяцев назад

    I've spent the last 6 weeks building a chicken coup, first timer here, so glad I watched this particular channel, so many disasters dodged, I hope, thanks

  • @annabrown6782
    @annabrown6782 3 года назад +6

    Can you do a video on how much work it is every day for chicks/chickens? I was shocked In Your video you said you only clean the coop twice a year! I thought it would be every day/every week. Please give more tips on keeping its clean and safe for them!

  • @mandysavoy2924
    @mandysavoy2924 3 года назад +6

    Thank you so much for all this info!!!
    We bought your chicken coop plans on Etsy, and my dad and husband almost completed the build in two days! I plan to paint it this weekend and hopefully get my chicks in a week or two. I needed this video! Thank you for all the helpful chicken content you put out!!

  • @cookingsherry8784
    @cookingsherry8784 2 года назад +2

    I think I've watched this video 10 times this spring to absorb all the info. Thanks to your helpful videos, we just got our first flock over the weekend! My son was not interested until he saw and held them. Now he's totally hooked! So adorable, and so much fun!

  • @marthalanier5677
    @marthalanier5677 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for the information! We are waiting for our first chick babies. I have all my supplies ready. I have 3 grandkids living with me. Can’t tell which is the most excited. They already have names picked for them! It will be great fun for all! Thanks!!!

  • @thomasharrison899
    @thomasharrison899 2 года назад +2

    I use ceramic heater elements (reptile heat lamp) and a thermostat to make things safe. I think the item your using is newer to the market. Looks like a good alternative.

  • @taylorslone9589
    @taylorslone9589 Год назад +2

    Medicated feed is not really needed unless you get them from a major breeder or hatchery. Also you can use shelf liners on the shavings for about a week, that helps with leg splaying.

  • @MyCreepyVida
    @MyCreepyVida Год назад

    Since i use dogpads for my furr baby, i used a dogpad inside the bin. Works great for cleanup, it is waterproof, when it's time to replace it, just scoop out the 1 dogpad and put a clean one. We kept the cover but my husband, cut out the inner part and taped chicken wire on it, so cover is always on and the middle is nothing but chicken wire.

  • @kv19891
    @kv19891 Год назад

    I saw a great idea online where someone had hung fluffy feather dusters upside down so the chicks could cozy up under them like they would under mom- they had a brooder large enough where it was safely distant from the heat source of the brooder

  • @marthabates2888
    @marthabates2888 2 года назад

    I can confirm! Especially knocking over the water and jumping out of the brooder.

  • @pointeplusplus
    @pointeplusplus 2 года назад +7

    Maybe this is a silly question but could you cut the middle out of the bin lid and put hardware cloth in that just to make life easier? Thanks for the content! I’m designing a garden and considering chickens and you’re videos are great 😊

  • @BriksTravelGuides
    @BriksTravelGuides 3 года назад +2

    I recently found a baby chick and I’ve been trying to figure out how to properly take care of it. This has been the most helpful and straight forward video I’ve found so far. Thank you! 😄🙌🏼

  • @paulrucker1786
    @paulrucker1786 2 года назад +3

    You are an absolute Angel for making this video!! So helpful & awesome!! I Have 15 new chicks on the way; you & your video will ensure that I have them set up for success! Thank you soooo much!!

  • @rogerbeck5704
    @rogerbeck5704 7 месяцев назад

    Have been watching your chick videos and I am now so ready to begin my journey. Thank you for taking the time to keep up informed.

  • @ashleybullmore
    @ashleybullmore 2 года назад +1

    Heavier weighted waterer and feeder.. We put a mason jar on it.
    We also built a platform so less wood chips

  • @jontay4199
    @jontay4199 Год назад

    My kids immediately started making apartments out of old cardboard for the chicks, and my lady added a second tub with a tunnel for fun. It was so smart, cause I was worried we would over heat them, now they have a shelter and an escape.

  • @woodyjade9097
    @woodyjade9097 3 года назад +1

    Coming to you from Minnesota... I use newspaper all the time and never had a problem . I use 2 cardboard boxes and just shuffle the chicks back and forth to clean. Works great. Beware of nerdy chicken math!!!!! I ordered a dozen Silver Laced Seabrights to be delivered in the middle of may. They haven't even been hatched yet and i already want to order more!!!!!!!!!Crazy person here!!!

  • @taracarmichael82
    @taracarmichael82 Год назад

    I am a kinda newer chick owner and this gave me sooo much more info that I didn’t know. Like I tell my girls and my dad, you can always learn more. There is never enough learning. You can learn something new with every video you watch. I’m def gonna continue watching your videos on here, so I can continue learning. Specially about the heat lamp and I’m always so scared to leave it on. So I shut it off when leaving

  • @lynnrabe4428
    @lynnrabe4428 3 года назад +3

    THANK YOU for this!! Getting my first chicks in a couple weeks- video is perfect timing!

  • @87elnetta
    @87elnetta 3 месяца назад

    The best part of the video was the dog and your husband! I cackled!😂😂😂 Thanks for all of the info! You literally covered everything!

  • @74drummergirl
    @74drummergirl 3 года назад +1

    I will be getting chickens for the first time soon. So excited!! So I am learning all I can.
    I love this video and because of it I will not go with a heat lamp. I will research these brooder heaters. If I hadn’t watched this I would not have known the dangers of the heat lamps.
    Most video’s that I have watched don’t talk about the real risks or about the worst cases. I know it’s a sad topic but us newbies really need this info so we can make the choices right for us. Thank you for talking about it!

  • @lindseymichelle3796
    @lindseymichelle3796 10 месяцев назад

    Thank you so much for creating these videos. I appreciate your simple approach and how affordable all of your suggestions are! I have been so relieved to know that I dont need to buy the fancy things to allow my future chicks to thrive and be happy. Thanks again!

  • @kreativuntermdach7351
    @kreativuntermdach7351 Год назад +1

    i like to put the feed and water on a (low) box, but above the bedding. if the box is big enough, they wont have anything to scratch into the feeders. That way i was able to keep them clean. Had to search for my plates of fresh food, though, cause there was not enough room on the box

  • @deanalape4783
    @deanalape4783 2 года назад +2

    We are moving into our new home in May. I plan on having some egg laying chickens (sorry if that is not the correct term). But ive been watching your videos because i dont have IG. You are so helpful and im getting very excited about getting chicks!!!

  • @scbelle119
    @scbelle119 Год назад +1

    Thank you thank you !!!! The brooder plate is the bomb !!!! Chicks my first ever love it ! Working like you described and thank you

  • @crunchbitemagee
    @crunchbitemagee 3 года назад +3

    Fly and Freya are the best photo bombs

  • @addieanderson2043
    @addieanderson2043 2 года назад

    I use a plastic bin with wheels I have two. I roll it outside and I can hose it down to clean. I cut out the top of the lid and pot hardware cloth in the opening. Eazy and clean.

  • @chip63us
    @chip63us 3 года назад +17

    I use a half gallon glass jar with my watering lid, never spills

    • @mandysavoy2924
      @mandysavoy2924 3 года назад +2

      Good to know!! Thanks for mentioning it! I hate the idea of using a plastic container for their water.

  • @NatalieChicken
    @NatalieChicken Год назад +1

    ❤❤ thank you so much this was really helpful

  • @earlclaborn
    @earlclaborn 3 года назад

    I start with a wooden pallet, and layer the floor with several layers of cardboard, and then nail some wood panels/ plywood around it to make walls. Then I place the wood chips inside and cover it with chicken wire. The heat lamp can hang from above the chicken wire, effectively heating the brooder box, and still being far enough away to not be a fire hazzard.

  • @dog-gone-it5944
    @dog-gone-it5944 2 года назад +1

    I know this is a year old video but just what we needed. We're building our chicken cook right now and going next week to get our babies. Bought most everything on your list and now I'm so excited! Thanks..you are so cute! We're a little late to the game bu5 super excited and hoping we'll do well!

  • @sophiabultena6781
    @sophiabultena6781 2 года назад

    The dye in newspaper is soy ink. It's safe for chicks. Although it is slippery so we don't use it as it can cause splayed legs

  • @TealStoneHomestead
    @TealStoneHomestead 3 года назад +4

    Love it Kathleen!! You're so pretty! 😊 We're getting ready for round 2 of chicks here, so this is a good refresher course! We actually use puppy pads underneath the bedding.
    For the top of the container, many small animal keepers cut the middle of the original plastic bin lid out and then zip tie the hardware cloth on! That way it still snaps on but provides plenty of ventilation. Google "small animal bin DIY." Just an idea 😊

  • @PossumPityParty
    @PossumPityParty 2 года назад +2

    I just love your channel. You are so pleasant to watch and every video is so helpful and informative. I’ve learned so much and you’re segment on silkies was so great. I’m going for over prepared and this one is particularly helpful. Thank you so much!

  • @prodigalglenn
    @prodigalglenn Год назад

    Awesome video. YOU are a natural. So easy to listen to (and look at) and so comprehensive. Great job, please keep it up and keep working hard. THanks again.

  • @TheThriftedPlanter
    @TheThriftedPlanter 2 года назад +2

    Thank you for making all of your chicken videos! They are so helpful!!

  • @hi..9368
    @hi..9368 2 года назад +1

    I just bought my eggs and Im so excited!! I have wanted chicks for so long but not been able to bc of the rules in my grandpas garden but I convinced the “headmasters” that were organizing all that stuff and rules but anyways IM SO EXCITED FOR MY CHICKENS 😁

  • @darklordmenet
    @darklordmenet 3 года назад +4

    i put marbles in the water so they don't fall into the water and muddy it to much, also they don't get stuck in the water!....yea...had a runt that decided to sit in the water...couldn't get out and that's when i remembered the marble trick.

  • @brianm6060
    @brianm6060 Год назад

    hot glue a square platform on the bottom of the feeder/waterer and bury it in the bedding. Like a 10x10 or whatever square will keep it from tipping

  • @rwalt9979
    @rwalt9979 2 года назад +1

    I would also like to suggest the "Cozy Coop Heater" it can be used for chicks and also the hens for coop in the winter. I also use the heater for some of my tropical type plants in the house in the colder months it works really great and it's much safer! Thank Rachel.

  • @MairIsabell
    @MairIsabell 3 года назад +6

    Great video! We are likely getting chicks next year but learning more now and love your channel :)

  • @Danis46
    @Danis46 3 года назад +3

    Perfect! I’m getting some chickens tomorrow!💖

  • @LilCraftyNook
    @LilCraftyNook 2 года назад +1

    I can always count on laughing within the first 5 min of your videos!!😂”chickie checklist” , “roast chickie” (funny/not funny), trying to pronounce “coccidiosis” , fun with camera guy, 😊, “cute but annoying” , etc! Thank you!

  • @spoonnwithsunshinehomestead
    @spoonnwithsunshinehomestead Год назад +1

    You have been so helpful and informative for me as a first timer so thank you so much 😊

  • @filipinanewfieblog9404
    @filipinanewfieblog9404 2 года назад

    it happened this to us we are unprepared and we ended up keep the chicks inside the house for 4 weeks coz still too cold outside ,this time we are waiting til snow are melt.Thanks for sharing.new subscriber her from alberta.god bless

  • @wakeupandhuman1800
    @wakeupandhuman1800 Год назад

    That dog is cracking me up! He’s like “mom who you talking too?” I don’t see any chicks or other hoomans? You ok? 😂

  • @eddieabernathy5998
    @eddieabernathy5998 3 года назад +2

    I also know you use a 200 watt ceramic heater for reptiles for ambient temperature

  • @strategicprepper2648
    @strategicprepper2648 Год назад

    Funny story. I got the playpen. My chicks r 2 weeks old. I brought them outside today for the first time. They ran right through the openings in then pen. It must have been hilarious to see this old guy chasing baby chicks. Dog caught one and held it for me (I didn’t give him time to decide to take a real bite). I believe you suggest waiting till 3 weeks. I added 1/2 fence around the bottom. Oh well, maybe I will listen next time. Lol. But all is good and we had a good time. And all the chicks started rolling in the dirt.

  • @triplel5669
    @triplel5669 3 года назад +3

    Super helpful! Love your chicken videos and would love more!! :) I watched your most recent video of getting chicks, would love to see the growing process and how you move them outside with the rest of your flock :)

  • @SirBobbyDuncan
    @SirBobbyDuncan 3 месяца назад

    17:07 You should absolutely 100% use the lid. However, make sure that you've cut little circles and squares and triangles.Send it to allow breathing but not allow the chicken to get through.

  • @TheImp42
    @TheImp42 3 года назад +1

    I am nearly done building our chicken coop using your design plans!

  • @thomasauto4862
    @thomasauto4862 2 года назад

    I believe that the feeder/waterer are red because a chicken will seek out the rooster with the largest red comb for food and protection. Maybe that's why coops and laying boxes are typically painted/stained red.

  • @lbf5984
    @lbf5984 Год назад

    glue a magnet or two to the bottom of the waterer and where you want it in the brooder, Amazon sells some pretty strong ones in 10 packs for a decent price...

  • @fredcrews7401
    @fredcrews7401 2 года назад

    With the water we use a shallow bowl with a stone in it. The stone kind of stops them drowning in the water and because its shallow the can't kick it over

  • @fivestars6452
    @fivestars6452 2 года назад

    My chick yoke used to run around the room we had her in. We just let her run around the room. She was old enough to control her temp btw.

  • @eddieabernathy5998
    @eddieabernathy5998 3 года назад +1

    I use watering cups my girls love them.

  • @kaylenevictorio8211
    @kaylenevictorio8211 3 года назад +1

    This is so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to share ❤️🐓

  • @JoeJoSoulChild
    @JoeJoSoulChild Год назад

    Thank you for this video! This was such an informative and important video for me to watch before getting my chicks

  • @sarahmcalpine2058
    @sarahmcalpine2058 3 года назад +1

    Best video on this, for me, so far...thank you

  • @douglasphillips24
    @douglasphillips24 Год назад

    I just built a 4 feet by 6 feet broader box outta OSB sheathing 24 inch high and I use a radiant heat broader for my 10 Silver laced wyandotte chicks to get under it . This is my second batch of chicks and definitely not using lamp and I use chick specific chick food . They're already flying around and jumping on things I built for them . Yeah they sure go through water and food fast .