Setting up a brooder box is actually really easy! I’ll show you how.
My son breeds two breeds of chickens – Pekins and Polish. At this time of year we have a lot of babies around the house!
I have a lot of people inquiring after brooder set-ups so I thought I would share how we do ours here.
Step One: The Brooder Box
When it comes to setting up a brooder box, you have several options. Some people use a large cardboard box or plastic container they already have on hand. We’ve even used a cage that was previously home to guinea pigs. Alternatively, you can purchase brooder cages specifically designed for raising chicks. While this option may be more expensive, it can make the process much easier.
The size of the brooder box depends on the number of chicks you have and how old they are. As chicks grow, they will need more space, so be prepared to expand their living area. You might even consider setting up an outdoor cage for daytime use, as long as the chicks have access to a warm area with food and water. As long as these needs are met, your chicks will be comfortable and safe.
Some quick tips for choosing a brooder box:
Ventilation: Ensure the brooder box has proper ventilation to allow fresh air circulation while keeping drafts out. Proper airflow is essential to maintain a healthy environment and prevent respiratory issues.
Accessibility: Choose a brooder box that allows easy access for cleaning and feeding. A removable lid or side access can make it easier to tend to your chicks without disturbing them too much.
Safety: Ensure the brooder box is escape-proof and has no sharp edges or gaps that could harm the chicks. If using a container with high sides, consider adding a mesh cover to keep the chicks from jumping out while still allowing air circulation.
Light: If you’re using a solid container like a cardboard box or plastic tub, make sure it allows some natural light in, or use a heat lamp that also provides light. Chicks need a regular day/night cycle to help regulate their behaviour and growth.
Mobility: If you plan to move the brooder box frequently, consider using a lightweight and portable option, or adding wheels to make it easier to relocate as needed.
Step Two: Liners
I highly recommend using something to line your box/cage. This makes clean-up a lot easier and does stay more hygienic, plus they are non-slip. For this, I use puppy pads. We sell these in a pack of 30 liners. It is important to make sure the surface is not slippery for young chicks. They need to be able to grip easily to strengthen their hips and legs.
You can use just puppy pads/liners for the first few days, but then I recommend adding some bedding. I use our premium bedding chilled chick, but you can also use pine shavings. I find these the least dusty, most easily available, and cost-effective. Around 1cm deep is about right. The chicks love practicing being a chicken and playing in this. I also add some of our chick blend for them to forage for and peck at.
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Step Four: Heating
Chicks require artificial heating for at least the first six weeks of their lives, or until they are fully feathered. Starting at around 35 degrees Celsius is ideal. Remember, in nature, they would usually have a mother hen to keep them warm! As they grow, you can gradually reduce the heat by moving the heat source further away from the chicks until they are ready to live outside.
A good indicator of whether your chicks are comfortable is their placement while sleeping. If they are spread out evenly under the heat source, the temperature is just right. If they are huddled directly under the heat, they may be too cold, so move the lamp closer. Conversely, if they are avoiding the heat source or panting, it may be too hot, and you should move the lamp further away.
We offer heat lamps specifically designed for brooders, but you could also use an old-fashioned desk lamp with a halogen bulb as a more economical option. However, the easiest and most efficient brooder heating solution is using heat plates. These plates mimic the warmth of a mother hen and are temperature controlled to ensure your chicks are kept at the correct temperature, reducing the risk of overheating or not being warm enough.
Quick Tips:
Nighttime Considerations: If using a heat lamp, remember that chicks need darkness at night. Consider using a red bulb, which provides heat but does not disrupt their sleep cycle as much as a bright white bulb.
Safety First: Ensure that any heat source you use is securely positioned to prevent it from falling into the brooder and causing a fire hazard. If using a heat lamp, ensure it is attached securely and away from flammable materials.
Monitoring: It’s important to regularly check the temperature within the brooder with a thermometer. Even small changes in room temperature can affect the warmth provided to the chicks.
Heat lamp location
Chick temperature
Step Five: Feeding and Watering
I recommend using a medicated chick starter. But if you have other birds with access to the feed and want to eat their eggs, use our Organic Chick Starter, which is medication free. Chick starter crumbles are a complete feed, so no supplementary feeding is necessary. Chicks should have unlimited access to the feed at all times to support their rapid growth and development.
Managing Mess: You’ll quickly notice that chicks tend to kick around their bedding and poop into their food. To minimise this mess, I do two things:
- Use a Long 16-Hole Tray Feeder:
- This feeder design allows more chicks to feed at once and reduces the likelihood of them getting bedding and poop into the feed holes. It helps keep the feed cleaner and more accessible for all the chicks.
- Elevate the Feeder:
- I place the feeder up off the shavings using an old wire baking tray. This setup allows poop and debris to fall through, keeping the feeding area much cleaner. Just ensure that, for the first couple of days, the chicks can easily reach the feeder. You may need to start with the tray lower and gradually raise it as the chicks grow and become more agile.
Watering Solutions: For the waterer, if you opt for an upright drinker, it’s essential to elevate it on the same rack to prevent it from getting clogged with bedding and poop. Keeping the drinker clean is crucial to preventing disease and ensuring your chicks stay hydrated.
Alternatively, I recommend using a hanging nipple drinker. This type of drinker is incredibly effective at preventing mess, as the chicks can’t kick bedding or poop into it. You can easily adjust the height as the chicks grow, ensuring they always have easy access to clean water.
Quick Tips:
Cleanliness: Keep the feeding and watering areas as clean as possible. Regularly wipe down feeders and drinkers to prevent the buildup of bacteria and mould, which can be harmful to your chicks.
Monitor Feed and Water Levels: Regularly check the feed and water levels to ensure your chicks have constant access. Refill as needed, especially as they grow and their consumption increases.
Step Six: Chicks
Once you have bedding, heating, food, and water, you are ready to add the chicks! Please make sure you have a minimum of two, I would recommend at least four. Chicks are flocking birds and get very lonely on their own! Also, having a couple of extras can account for any boys or unforeseen deaths you may have.
Most of all – enjoy. Raising chicks is a wonderful experience.
