I don't use cardboard boxes. The brooder I posted is where they go from the moment they arrive home until about 2 weeks, at which point they get full access to coop and run during daytime.
Would this be better than keeping them inside the coop with the
I think going to keep preparing my coop and raise them inside with my Brinsea 1200 and section off some of the coop so the can move to a cooler area? The coop has ventilation and has a fan that can switch to send air out. They will have access to water and starter feed al all time until the grow and let them free range in a covered area.
Sounds like a plan to me.
Can it be sectioned off with cinder blocks and possibly sheets of wood held by the cinder blocks and what size would you recommend from when I get them? When should I allow the to free range and how will I know the correct time?? Plan on building a long ramp with sides keeping them from falling off. They will be able to have access under the trailer and building a run covered with chicken wire and a covered area for protection from predators from above.
Possibly, as long as the top can be covered to prevent jump outs and no gaps are present. You really only need to "section off" an area of the coop for 1-2 weeks, after that they should easily be able to handle the entire space.
I don't free range (except with supervision) so not sure how folks who 100% free range handle it, but I start leaving the run door open around 8 weeks and the chicks will come out of the run when they feel ready to, which can take a few days to a few weeks. I let them decide.
I will wait around 8 weeks. My hens when they are older will free range with ability to go beck inside the coop via the ramp. I haven't used a run just always had a ramp giving them the ability to access the coop. They will have access to the entire back yard with some sections sectioned off.
