A simple brooding unit may be used to keep a few chicks for a short 
time. The principles of brooding are the same regardless of the 
number of chicks in the flock. Whether there are 2 chicks in the 
brooding unit or 2,000, they need to be kept warm, well fed, and 
watered; protected from predators and dampness; and provided with 
plenty of fresh air without being exposed to drafts. The unit 
described here, when used in a warm place such as a schoolroom or at 
home, will do the job. 

The shape of the brooder box is not important as long as it is large 
enough to house the chicks adequately and contains the equipment 
(water fountain, food, and litter material) to care for the chicks. 
A gooseneck lamp next to the box can provide heat. 

Chicks must be able to get away from direct heat, so having the lamp 
at one end with a slightly cooler area at the other end of the box 
is advisable. If the side of the box is very high, a slot can be 
made so that the base of the lamp can be placed outside while the 
gooseneck fits through the slot and the shade and bulb are inside 
the box. Be sure that such an arrangement does not make the heat in 
the box too intense for the comfort of the chicks. 

A 60- to 75-watt bulb will normally provide enough warmth. The neck 
of the lamp can be bent to move the bulb closer to the chicks, if 
they appear cold, or farther away if the chicks seem to be too warm. 
Comfortable chicks are usually distributed evenly throughout the 
floor area of the brooding unit. 

Each brooder unit should contain at least one waterer and one 
feeder. Place the waterer on a wooden block or stand to help keep 
the litter dry. Chicks should be able to dip only their beaks into 
the water dish, so place pebbles, marbles, or a screen in the dish. 
Wet chicks are much more susceptible to drafts and disease. Chick 
starter with about 20 percent protein can be obtained from a feed 
dealer. As a temporary measure, two parts of dry dog food can be 
mixed with one part of dry cereal. Both should be crushed so that 
the particles are no bigger than one-eighth inch. Feed and water the 
chicks as soon as they are moved from the incubator to the brooder. 

The litter in the brooder serves as insulation and as an absorptive 
material. Peat moss, wood shavings, sawdust, straw, or sand can be 
used. Never place young birds on a smooth surface, because they 
cannot grip a slippery surface. Their toes curl, and their legs 
spread out to the side. This may result in permanent leg damage. 

The walls of the brooder serve as a chick guard and keep drafts off 
the chicks. After the chicks have been put into the brooding unit, 
cover it with a welded-wire screen. This will keep the chicks in and 
predators, such as cats, out. A mesh that is too large will still 
allow chicks to slip through or a cat to reach in. Half-inch welded 
wire or hardware cloth is probably the most satisfactory size to 
use. 

All domestic animals depend on human beings for survival. Make sure 
the chicks are properly housed, have food and water, and are kept 
warm and out of drafts. This means checking the brooder morning, 
noon, and night (just before going to bed). 

Ideal temperature.

Age of Chicks Temperature 
1 day to 1 week 95 
1 week to 2 weeks 90 
2 weeks to 3 weeks 85 
3 weeks to 3 weeks 80 
4 weeks to 5 weeks 75 


Equipment and Supplies for Brooding 12 Chicks 
Cardboard box approximately 28" x 25" x 14". Each chick should have 
about 36 square inches of space, though slightly less room per chick 
is acceptable for a short while. A wooden box is preferable to 
cardboard if other animals are around. A wooden box does not tip 
over as easily and is more difficult to chew. Cover the box with 
welded wire (1/4" to 1/2" mesh) to protect the chicks from other 
animals. 
Gooseneck lamp with a 60- to 75-watt bulb to keep the chicks warm. 
Shavings, straw, shredded paper, or other appropriate litter 
material. 
Feed tray for chicken starter feed. 
Waterer. 


tenzicut