Hey everyone! 👋
Successfully brooding chicks means keeping them warm, safe, and well-fed during their first few weeks of life. Whether you’re raising chicks from a hatchery, incubator, or a broody hen, getting the setup right is key to their survival and growth.
🐥 Brooding Essentials
✅ 1. Warmth – Heat Source & Temperature Control 🌡️
- First week: 95°F (35°C) under the heat source.
- Drop by 5°F each week until they reach outdoor temps.
- Best heat sources:
🔥 Heat plate/brooder – Safe, natural heat without fire risk.
💡 Heat lamp – Works well, but be careful of fire hazards!
✅ 2. Safe Brooder Setup 🏠
- Use a large plastic bin, stock tank, or wood brooder box.
- Line with pine shavings (not newspaper—it’s too slippery!).
- Make sure it’s draft-free but still has good ventilation.
✅ 3. Food & Water – What to Feed Baby Chicks 🥚💧
- Starter feed (20-22% protein) for strong growth.
- Use a chick-sized feeder & waterer to prevent drowning.
- Add electrolytes to water for weak chicks in the first few days.
✅ 4. Socialization & Space Needs 🐥🐥
- Chicks grow fast—give them at least ½ sq. ft. per chick at first.
- Avoid overcrowding to prevent pasting up, bullying, or trampling.
✅ 5. Watch for Health Issues 🚑
- Pasty Butt: Clean dried poop off vents with a warm, damp cloth.
- Weak Chicks: Offer sugar water or Nutri-Drench for a quick boost.
- Leg Issues: Make sure they have good grip in the brooder—no slippery surfaces!
🐔 Broody Hen vs. Artificial Brooder – Which Do You Prefer?
- Broody Hen: Less work, but she must be a good mama. 🐓
- Artificial Brooder: More control, but requires daily care. 🔥
💬 What’s your go-to brooding setup? Have you had any success (or disasters!) with different methods? Drop your experiences below! 📸👇🐣🔥
