Brooding Chicks: How Long Does It Take?

Brooding chicks is the process of caring for newborn chicks until they are ready to be released into a coop. This typically takes between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the breed, time of year, and weather conditions. During this critical period, chicks must be kept in a warm, clean, and dry environment, with access to fresh food and water. The brooder temperature should be maintained at around 90-95°F for the first week, gradually decreasing by 5°F each week until it reaches room temperature. By the sixth week, most chicks are fully feathered and ready to transition to their coop, although some may take up to 8 weeks to fully develop their juvenile feathers.

Brooder bedding and temperature

Brooding is the period from hatching until supplemental heat is no longer needed. This means the period the chicks need to be kept inside or with a heat lamp depends on the outdoor conditions and the breed of the chicks. Generally, this period lasts between three to eight weeks.

During the first week of the chicks' lives, the ideal brooder temperature is between 90 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature can be maintained with a 125 to 250-watt heat bulb. The bulb height will determine the temperature. To increase the temperature, lower the bulb, and to decrease it, raise the bulb. A thermometer placed at chick level in the brooder is a good way to monitor the temperature.

After the first week, the temperature should be lowered by 5 degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered out, which usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks. The brooder temperature should equal the ambient room temperature by the time the chicks are ready to leave the brooder.

Bedding is also an important factor in brood care. Bedding should keep the chicks warm, absorb waste, and provide sturdy footing. Pine shavings are the traditional choice and can be purchased at any pet shop or feed store. Grass hay is another option, and it is very warm, although it may be more difficult to find. Corn Cob bedding is a newer option that does an excellent job of absorbing moisture and trapping odours.

One approach to bedding is to raise the chicks on wire. This method involves using pieces of cut PVC piping as stands and hardware cloth set on top to keep the floor raised an inch or two off the floor of the brooder. Most of the waste falls through the holes of the wire, but the chicks still come into contact with enough of it to develop immunity.

Feeding and drinking

Brooding is defined as the period from hatching until supplemental heat is no longer needed. This can be anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on breed and time of year. During this time, chicks need to be kept in a warm, clean, and dry environment, with a suitable diet to grow and thrive.

The first few weeks of a chick's life are critical for its development, and it is important to ensure that they are eating and drinking enough. Here are some tips for feeding and watering chicks during their first few weeks:

Drinking:

• It is vital to encourage water intake in the first days. Use drinkers that are easily accessible to the chicks, such as 360-activated nipples or cup drinkers.
• Set the height of the drinkers so that the chicks can drink easily.
• Reduce the water pressure in the drinking system to create a hanging drop at chick eye level.
• Trigger the nipples or cups during the first 3–4 days to encourage drinking.
• Clean waterers daily and provide fresh water.
• Ensure the light level in the drinker area is 30–50 lux.

Feeding:

• Provide good quality feed immediately after the chicks arrive.
• Scatter feed on paper or cage flooring during the first 3–5 days.
• Place abundant feed in the feeders to attract the chicks.
• Add Vitamin K to the diet or water a few days before and after beak treatment.
• Continue to feed the same starter feed until the chicks are 18 weeks old.
• Do not give treats until the chicks are 18 weeks old.
• Ensure sufficient ventilation to remove dust and undesirable gases.
• Use a crop fill measurement to check if the chicks are eating in the first two days.

Health and exercise

Brooding is defined as the period from hatching until supplemental heat is no longer needed. Typically, chicks are brooded for 3 to 8 weeks, depending on breed and time of year. During this critical time, chicks need to be kept in a temperature-controlled environment, fed a proper diet, and kept healthy so they can develop into adulthood.

Temperature Control

It is essential to maintain a comfortable temperature for the chicks. The ideal temperature for the first week of their lives is 90–95° F (32–35° C). Then, the temperature can be lowered by 5° F (2.8° C) each week until the chicks are fully feathered (usually around 6–8 weeks). In winter, supplemental heat may be needed for up to six weeks to prevent waterers from freezing. Conversely, in summer, chicks must be protected from temperatures above 95° F (35° C).

Ventilation and Space

Proper ventilation is crucial for chick health. Fresh air helps remove moisture from the brooder house, keeping the floor dry and reducing the risk of respiratory issues. A 15-watt bulb for every 200 square feet of floor area should be provided during the first week, especially at night. Additionally, ensure there is adequate space in the brooder to prevent crowding, which can lead to piling up or smothering.

Feeding and Watering

Chicks should have access to food and water from the moment they arrive. Dip each chick's beak in the drinking water to teach them where their water source is. Use containers that the chicks can reach but not crawl into or spill. Feed them ""chick starter," a balanced food specialized for their nutritional needs. They will eat approximately one pound per week per chick.

Sanitation

Keep the brooder clean and sanitary to prevent health issues. Regularly clean and sanitize the brooder, especially the drinking area, to prevent contamination from chick poop and bedding. Use absorbent and mould-free litter material for bedding, avoiding smooth surfaces like cardboard or newspaper, as these can cause leg problems.

Exercise and Exploration

After a few weeks, when the chicks are ready, you can start taking them out of the brooder for short periods. Start with 10 minutes a day in a safe indoor space, then gradually introduce them to their future coop on warm, sunny days for 10–15 minutes at a time. This helps them get used to their new environment and strengthens their bodies and minds.

Moving chicks outdoors

The number of weeks you need to brood chicks before moving them outdoors depends on several factors, including the breed of the chick, the time of year, and the outdoor temperature. Generally, chicks are ready to move outdoors when they are fully feathered and can regulate their body temperatures, which usually occurs around 6 to 8 weeks of age. However, it's important to monitor the chicks' behaviour and use that as an indicator of their comfort level.

• Temperature and Weather Conditions: Before moving chicks outdoors, ensure that the outdoor temperature is suitable for their age. For the first few weeks, chicks require a much higher air temperature than humans typically prefer. A good guideline is to start with a brooder temperature of 90-95°F for the first week and reduce it by five degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered (usually by 6 to 8 weeks). If you are brooding chicks during the summer, you may be able to move them outdoors sooner, as the warmer weather can help them regulate their body temperature. However, if the outdoor temperature drops below 65°F, supplemental heat may be necessary.
• Gradual Introduction: Start by introducing the chicks to their future outdoor home gradually. Bring them to their outdoor coop during the day, ensuring it is draft-free, secure, and has access to food and water. Supervise them during these daytime visits and gradually increase the duration of their outdoor stays. This helps ease the stress of the big move and allows them to familiarise themselves with their new environment.
• Monitoring Behaviour: Pay close attention to the chicks' behaviour and body language. If they are huddling together and making overly loud peeping noises, it may be too cold for them, and you should bring them back inside. As the chicks get more comfortable with their outdoor surroundings and the weather remains favourable, you can start extending their outdoor stays.
• Prevention of Habits: To prevent unwanted habits from forming, block physical access to the nest boxes before the move. This ensures that the chicks don't get used to sleeping in those areas. Once they are older, usually around 17-18 weeks, you can open up the nest boxes for them to use.
• Integration with Existing Flock: If you already have an established flock of chickens, introduce the chicks to their new coop mates slowly. Use a puppy gate or a small enclosure to keep the chicks separate but in close proximity to the older chickens. Supervise their interactions during the day, and gradually increase the amount of time they spend together. This helps ensure a smooth transition and minimizes bullying within the flock.
• Space and Security: When providing outdoor space for the chicks, consider their age and size. For five-week-old chicks, 2 square feet per bird is sufficient. As they grow, they will need more space, but a larger area can also be harder to secure. Ensure that their outdoor run is covered on all sides, including the top, to protect them from predators and the elements.

Introducing chicks to the coop

Brooding chicks is the period from hatching until supplemental heat is no longer needed. For most people, this means keeping chicks indoors under heat for 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the breed, time of year, and weather. In the heat of summer, chicks may need supplemental heat for a few weeks, while in cold weather, they may need it for much longer.

The ideal temperature for the first week of a chick's life is 90–95 °F, which should be reduced by 5 °F each week until the brooder temperature equals the ambient room temperature. This typically means that by the sixth week, the temperature should be 65 °F.

Chicks are usually ready to be introduced to the coop when they are fully feathered, which is typically around 6–8 weeks. Before introducing chicks to the coop, it is important to ensure that it is draft-free, with access to food and water, and that it is predator-proof. If there are already chickens in the coop, it is important to slowly introduce the chicks to their new coop mates, as chickens are extremely hierarchical and territorial, and prone to bullying and attacking one another.

Before introducing chicks to the coop, they can be given field trips outside when they are 3–4 weeks old. This can be done by using something like a dog playpen to keep the chicks together in a safe place while allowing them to explore. It is important to ensure that it is warm enough outside and that the chicks have access to both sun and shade.

Once the chicks are introduced to the coop, they should be given starter feed until they are 15 to 18 weeks old. At 18 weeks, they can be fed layer feed with a separate dish of oyster shells.

Frequently asked questions