Chick Brooder Setup 101
🐣 Chick Brooder Setup 101
Your cozy guide to getting baby chicks off to a strong start
So you’re getting baby chicks—hooray! Whether it’s your first batch or your first time without panic-Googling every 30 minutes, having a solid brooder setup will save you stress, money, and tiny chick heartbreak.
Let’s keep it simple, affordable, and real.
🪺 What is a brooder?
A brooder is basically a warm, safe spot for your chicks to live for the first 4–6 weeks. Think of it as a little chick nursery: it needs to stay warm, clean, dry, and secure from pets, kids, and chaos.
📋 Brooder Supply Checklist
Here’s what you’ll need (and what you can totally DIY):
- A bin, tub, or tote (cardboard box works too)
- Heat source (heat plate or heat lamp—see notes below)
- Thermometer (cheap digital ones are great)
- Bedding (pine shavings, not cedar—avoid slippery surfaces like newspaper)
- Feeder + chick starter feed (non-medicated or medicated, your choice)
- Waterer (with marbles or rocks if it's really shallow—no drowning allowed)
- Chick-sized grit if feeding anything other than chick crumbles
Optional but helpful:
- Puppy pads for the first few days to keep things tidy
- Electrolytes for that first drink (especially shipped chicks)
- A lid or mesh cover if you have curious pets or jumpy chicks
🔥 Brooder Heat Tips
- Week 1: Aim for 95°F directly under the heat source
- Drop the temp by 5°F each week until they’re feathered
- Always give them space to move away from heat
If they’re piled up under the heat—too cold.
If they’re hugging the corners like it’s a horror movie—too hot.
If they’re evenly spaced and peeping gently? You nailed it.
🧼 Cleanliness = Happy Chicks
- Change out wet or poopy bedding daily
- Keep feeders and waterers clean—chicks are gross little gremlins
- Don’t overfill the waterer unless you like mud soup
🧠 Real Talk from a Feed Store Chicken Lady
I’ve raised thousands of chicks and seen every brooder setup under the sun—from Pinterest-perfect to duct-taped chaos.
The best brooder is the one that’s safe, warm, and cleaned often.
You don’t need to spend a fortune. You just need to check on them a lot and trust your gut.