From Brooder to Coop: A Guide to Raising Happy and Healthy Chicks

There’s nothing sweeter than the sound of tiny peeps in springtime. Raising baby chicks is magical - but it’s also a responsibility. From their first day in the brooder to their big move into the coop, your little fluff balls need the right care to grow into healthy, happy hens. Here’s your step-by-step guide to raising chicks with confidence.

The Brooder: Your Chicks’ First Home

Think of the brooder as chick kindergarten. It’s where they’ll spend the first several weeks of their life, learning how to eat, drink, and grow.

Essentials for a Brooder Setup:

A safe container: A plastic bin, large cardboard box, or kiddie pool works. Make sure it’s draft-free and predator-proof.
Heat source: A heat lamp or, better yet, a radiant heat plate. Chicks can’t regulate body temp yet, so warmth is life.
Bedding: Pine shavings are classic. Avoid cedar - it’s too aromatic and can cause respiratory issues.
Food & water: Shallow dishes for chick starter feed and fresh water (with marbles in the dish if they’re tiny, to prevent accidental drownings).

The First Weeks: Warmth and Care

Temperature: Start the brooder at about 95°F for the first week. Lower by 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered.
Watch behavior: If chicks huddle under the heat, they’re cold. If they scatter far from it, they’re too hot.
Handling: Gentle daily handling helps tame chicks, but don’t stress them out.

Growing Up Strong

By 4–6 weeks, your chicks are losing fluff and sprouting real feathers. This is their awkward teenage phase - gangly, half-feathered, still adorable in their own way.

Keep food and water clean and plentiful.
Add little perches in the brooder to encourage natural behaviors.
Provide grit (tiny stones) once they start tasting treats.

The Big Move: From Brooder to Coop

Once chicks are 6–8 weeks old and fully feathered, they’re ready to transition outdoors.

Steps for a Smooth Transition:

Coop readiness: The coop should be draft-free, predator-proof, and safe.
Mild weather move: Aim for a stretch of warmer days to make the change less stressful.
Gradual intro: Take them outside for short, supervised visits before the permanent move.
Meet the flock carefully: If you already have older hens, introduce slowly and watch for bullying.

Pro Tips for Raising Happy Chicks

Start with chick starter feed (medicated if coccidiosis is a concern in your area).
Provide enrichment: little branches, perches, or even a small mirror to keep chicks entertained.
Clean the brooder often - chicks poop a lot.
Always have fresh water available. Dehydration can happen fast in tiny bodies.

Food Tips & Ideas + ⚠ Warnings

✨ Offer healthy snacks like finely chopped greens, scrambled eggs, or oats once they’re a few weeks old (with grit).
✨ Herbs like oregano and thyme can support chick health.
⚠ Never feed chicks layer feed - the extra calcium can damage their kidneys.
⚠ Keep cords and heat lamps secure. Fire hazards are real in brooders.
⚠ Don’t rush them outside before they’re feathered - chicks can chill quickly.

Bottom line? Raising chicks from brooder to coop is equal parts patience and joy. With warmth, safety, and care, your peeping fluff balls will grow into confident hens who gift you with eggs, garden help, and endless entertainment.

🐣 Chick Raising Quick Reference: Week-by-Week

Week	Temperature	Feed	Water	Notes / Milestones
1	95°F	Chick starter	Fresh, shallow	Keep warm and dry. Watch for piling or lethargy. Handle gently.
2	90°F	Chick starter	Fresh, shallow	Monitor feather growth. Ensure all chicks can access heat and food.
3	85°F	Chick starter	Fresh, shallow	Begin adding small enrichment (sticks, perches). Start introducing grit if giving treats.
4	80°F	Chick starter	Fresh, shallow	Feathers filling in. Check for bullying or weak chicks.
5	75°F	Chick starter	Fresh, shallow	Fully feathered wings starting. Extend short outdoor supervised visits if weather allows.
6	70°F	Chick starter	Fresh	Feathers mostly complete. Increase outdoor exposure. Begin gradual coop introductions if safe.
7–8	Ambient (cooler nights ok)	Chick starter / small treats	Fresh	Chicks ready to fully move to coop. Continue monitoring behavior and health. Ensure water doesn’t freeze at night if outdoors.