Brooding & Caring for Newly Hatched Chicks

Week 7 of our Incubation Tips & Tricks series

Hatch day isn’t the end of the journey — it’s the beginning. The first couple of weeks are the most important time in your chicks’ lives, and a good start now will make all the difference later. With the right brooder setup, warmth, and care, your chicks will grow strong and healthy.

What is a Brooder?

A brooder is a safe, warm area where chicks stay until they can regulate their own body temperature. It should be draft-free, easy to clean, and have enough space for chicks to move closer or further from the heat source as they need.

• Best option: A low-wattage brooder plate — stable, safe, and keeps chicks calm without bright light at night.
• Alternative: A heat lamp — effective but needs careful monitoring to avoid overheating or fire risk.
• DIY tip: A ventilated plastic tub or timber box with a wire lid can work well as long as air can circulate freely.

Recommended: Brooder ChickPlate Heating Plate

Temperature & Warmth

Start at around 35°C at chick level in the first week, and reduce by 2–3°C per week until you reach room temperature. Watch your chicks — they’ll tell you what they need:

• Too cold: Chicks huddle directly under the heat source.
• Too hot: Chicks spread far away and pant.
• Just right: Chicks move freely, spread evenly, and look relaxed.

Use a reliable thermometer or smart sensor positioned at chick height for best results.

Bedding, Space & Cleanliness

• Bedding: Soft wood shavings are ideal. Avoid newspaper — it’s slippery and can cause leg issues.
• Space: Allow roughly 25 x 25 cm of space per chick to start with, and increase as they grow.
• Cleanliness: Spot-clean daily and change bedding regularly to keep the air fresh and prevent illness.

Water & Feed

Once chicks are dry and fluffy, offer water before food. Dip each chick’s beak gently into the water so they learn where it is. Use shallow drinkers to prevent accidents.

• Feed: Use a quality chick starter crumble that’s high in protein and finely textured.
• Supplements: Provide electrolytes or vitamins to help boost hydration and growth, especially for weaker chicks.

Popular choices:
Vetafarm Synbiotic Avian  |  Vetafarm Calcivet (Calcium + D3)  |  Vetafarm Coccivet  |  View all bird health products

Watching for Problems

• Lethargy or droopy wings: Check brooder temperature and hydration.
• Pasty vent: Clean gently with warm water and review heat and diet.
• Gasping or noisy breathing: Improve ventilation and replace any damp or dusty bedding.

If you’re unsure what’s wrong, get in touch with our team — we’re always happy to help.

First Outings & Moving Outdoors

Short, supervised trips outside on warm days help chicks build strength. Once they’re fully feathered (around 5–6 weeks) and nights are mild, you can move them to a secure outdoor coop. Always make sure they’re safe from drafts and predators.

Quick Checklist

• Brooder preheated and draft-free
• 35°C at chick level for week one
• Soft shavings, clean and dry
• Shallow water dishes and chick crumble
• Daily checks for heat, water, and cleanliness

Need a Hand?

Our team supports you from setup to hatch and beyond. Whether it’s brooder setup, feeding advice, or health tips, we’re here to help.

Thanks for following along with our weekly series. If this helped, share your hatch photos and tag Uneek Poultry — we love seeing your results!