So, you're getting chicks. Congratulations!
Before those tiny fluffballs arrive, now is the time to get your brooder set up. Trust me, the last thing you want is to realize you're missing a waterer after your chicks are already home.
A well-prepared brooder keeps chicks warm, healthy, and safe from day one. It also makes those first few weeks a whole lot less stressful for you.
Here's everything we recommend having ready before hatch day.
1. A Safe Brooder
Think of the brooder as your chicks' first home. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it does need to be warm, secure, well-ventilated, and easy to clean.
Some great options include:
- Plastic storage totes
- Stock tanks
- Homemade wooden brooders
- Commercial brooders
Avoid cardboard boxes if you can. They're difficult to sanitize, don't hold up well to moisture, and determined little chicks eventually figure out how to escape.
As your chicks grow, they'll need more room. Plan on at least half a square foot per chick at first, then be ready to expand their space as they feather out.
2. A Reliable Heat Source
Newly hatched chicks can't regulate their own body temperature, so a dependable heat source is one of the most important parts of your brooder setup.
There are several options available, and each has its pros and cons.
Radiant Heat Plates
These mimic the warmth of a mother hen and allow chicks to move underneath when they need warmth and out into the cooler brooder when they don't. They're energy efficient and eliminate many of the fire risks associated with traditional heat lamps
Heat Lamps
Heat lamps have been used successfully for decades and are still a common choice. If you use one, make sure it's securely mounted and positioned safely to reduce the risk of fire. Never rely on the clamp alone to hold it in place.
Regardless of which heat source you choose, start your brooder around 95°F during the first week, then lower the temperature by about 5 degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered.
The chicks themselves will tell you if they're comfortable:
- Huddled tightly together? They're too cold.
- Staying as far away from the heat source as possible? They're too warm.
- Eating, drinking, exploring, and napping comfortably? You've probably got it just right.
3. A Thermometer
Don't guess.
A simple thermometer placed at chick level is much more reliable than trying to judge the temperature with your hand.
If you really want to spoil yourself, choose one that also measures humidity.
It's a small investment that can save a lot of second-guessing.
4. Bedding
Chicks are adorable.
They're also surprisingly talented at making a mess.
We like using pine shavings because they're absorbent, easy to clean, and readily available.
For the first few days, place paper towels over the bedding. It gives chicks better footing, helps them find their feed more easily, and discourages them from eating the shavings.
Avoid:
- Cedar shavings
- Newspaper by itself (it's too slippery)
If you're concerned about spraddle leg, rubber shelf liner under the paper towels can provide excellent traction during those first few days.
5. Feeders & Waterers
Fresh feed and clean water should always be available.
Baby chicks are surprisingly talented at scratching bedding into their feed, standing in their water, and generally making a mess of both, so choosing the right equipment can save you a lot of frustration.
Chick Feeders
Traditional chick feeders are a great option for small groups and are easy for young chicks to access while helping reduce wasted feed.
Chick Trays
If you're brooding a larger group of chicks, chick trays are one of our favorite options. Their larger diameter gives more chicks room to eat at the same time, which helps reduce crowding around the feeder.
Chick Waterers
A standard chick waterer works well for most brooders and provides easy access to fresh water while helping reduce spills.
Adding clean marbles or small pebbles during those first few days can also help prevent accidental drowning.
Chick Stands
One of the easiest ways to keep water cleaner is by raising the waterer off the bedding.
A chick waterer stand helps reduce the amount of pine shavings, poop, and general chick chaos that ends up floating in the water.
It's a simple upgrade that usually means less cleaning and healthier chicks.
6. Chick Starter Feed
For the first 6 to 8 weeks, chicks should be eating a quality chick starter feed formulated for proper growth and development.
Whether you choose medicated or non-medicated feed depends on your management style and whether your chicks have been vaccinated for coccidiosis.
One thing you should avoid is layer feed.
The extra calcium that's perfect for laying hens isn't appropriate for growing chicks.
If you decide to offer treats, even healthy ones like chopped greens or scrambled eggs, be sure to provide chick grit to help them digest those foods properly.
7. A Brooder Guard
New chicks have an unfortunate habit of piling into corners.
A simple brooder guard with rounded corners helps prevent pile-ups and reduces the risk of chicks becoming trapped.
It doesn't have to be fancy.
Even a curved piece of cardboard works surprisingly well.
8. Cleaning Supplies
Keeping the brooder clean is one of the easiest ways to raise healthy chicks.
Clean feeders and waterers regularly, remove wet bedding promptly, and wash your hands after handling chicks or anything inside the brooder.
Good biosecurity habits start on day one
9. Don't Forget They Grow Fast
One day they're tiny yellow puffballs.
A few weeks later they're running, flapping, jumping, and plotting their escape.
Before your chicks arrive, have a plan for expanding their space and eventually transitioning them into the coop.
Future-you will be glad you did.
Easy Things People Forget
Before your chicks arrive, double-check that you have:
✔ Brooder
✔ Heat source
✔ Thermometer
✔ Bedding
✔ Feeder
✔ Waterer
✔ Chick starter feed
✔ Chick grit
✔ Secure lid
✔ Cleaning supplies
It's much easier to gather everything now than make an emergency farm store run after the chicks are already home.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a brooder isn't complicated, but being prepared makes those first few weeks much more enjoyable for both you and your chicks.
Having everything ready before hatch day means less stress, fewer surprises, and more time to enjoy watching those tiny fluffballs grow into healthy chickens.
If you're still gathering supplies, we've put together a collection of the brooder essentials we use and recommend.
🐔
Everything is ready.
Now the chicks rewrite your plans.
As they always do.
