Bringing home newly hatched chicks? It’s always an exciting moment, but making sure they have the perfect setup from day one is crucial for their health and happiness. Here at East Sussex Smallholders, we’ve fine-tuned our chick brooder setup to be simple, effective, and easy to manage—so here’s exactly what we do.
We start with a simple plastic storage box as the brooder. Nothing fancy, just a sturdy, clear plastic box with small holes drilled in the sides. These holes allow airflow while keeping out drafts, which can be fatal for tiny chicks in their first few days. The box acts as a secure, controlled space where they can settle in without the risk of getting chilled.
Inside the brooder, we line the base with corrugated cardboard. It might seem like an odd choice, but there’s a reason for it. When chicks scratch and peck at the surface, the slight rustling sound encourages them to start eating and drinking earlier. It’s a small trick that makes a surprising difference! On top of that, we use absorbent wood shavings as bedding, which help keep the brooder clean and dry.
Water is one of the most important things to get right. Chicks are so tiny that getting too cold can be a real issue, so we always fill their drinker with warm water—at least room temperature, but ideally lukewarm. Cold water can chill them from the inside out, which is the last thing they need when they’re just getting used to life outside the egg. For the first few days, we also add probiotic powder to their water. This gives their digestive system a boost and helps them get off to the best start.
Feeding is just as important, and we make it as easy as possible for them. For the first few days, we scatter chick crumb directly onto the brooder floor, as well as putting it in a feeder. This encourages natural foraging behaviour and ensures that even the less confident chicks can find food without competition.
For warmth, we use a heat plate rather than a heat lamp, especially when brooding a small number of chicks. A heat plate is a much safer option and mimics the warmth of a mother hen. The key is to set it low to the ground, so when the chicks stand underneath, they’re almost touching it. This makes sure they get the warmth they need while still having the freedom to move in and out as they please.
One last thing that often gets overlooked—light. At night, we leave a small light on in the room, just enough so it’s not pitch black. A simple night light works fine. Chicks aren’t used to complete darkness, and if they wake up in the night, they need to be able to find their food and water.
It’s amazing how these little details can make such a big difference in getting your chicks off to a healthy, happy start. A warm, draft-free brooder with easy access to food and water gives them the best chance to thrive. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing better than watching tiny chicks happily peeping away in their cosy little setup!
