Getting Chicks is exciting! I remember my first time buying chicks and getting everything prepped and ready. It is exciting and a little expensive at first but it’s easy to justify it when the chicks seem pretty cheap right? I will be giving you some advice on getting your brooder chick ready + a cost breakdown. Keep in mind, that I am going off my local feed/livestock store and prices will most likely vary. My hope is that this will give you a rough idea of the cost.
So let’s talk Brooder, what can I use? You can use many different things as a Chick brooder, personally, I use an old horse trough. But I have seen people use many things such as a large tote, a cardboard box, and even a kiddie pool! There are lots of options and everyone’s setup looks different. There are however a few things to keep in mind;
1. Your chicks will grow and fly out! If the sides are too short and you do not have some sort of wire overtop.
2. This one goes along with the first, once your chicks start to grow make sure the brooder doesn’t get crowded. Initially, new chicks need half a square foot of space each, but that number will double within a month. At 8 weeks, Chicks will need 1 and a half – 2 square feet of space.
Once you have your brooder it’s time to start filling it up with all the things your little chickies will need! In the bottom of the brooder, I like to use wood shavings. With this however, it is important to make sure that you use large shavings rather than smaller ones and/or sawdust as the Chicks WILL try and eat it which could lead to choking and possibly a higher mortality rate. A bag of Large wood shavings costs about $8 and has about 78 litres. I have also seen people use things such as Straw, Hay and even paper towels.
Now onto the feeders and waterers! I recommend at least 1 feeder and 1 waterer for every 10 – 15 chicks. Everyone does it differently, some people may say that it is too many or too little. However, it’s what has worked well for me in the past and ultimately everything is about trial and error before figuring out what works best. The small plastic Feeders and waterers (for chicks) should cost about $9 each. Lots of livestock/feed stores sell chick starter kits which makes things a little easier and more convenient so keep an eye out for those! As your chickens grow you will need to get bigger feeders and waterers, which do cost a bit more.
Heat Lamps! Keeping your chicks warm but not too warm is SOOO important so let’s talk about it! I recommend having two heat lamps in your brooder, however, depending on how many chicks you have and how big the brooder is you could probably make do with one. Make sure to put a thermometer in with the chicks to monitor the temperature at all times. Below is a chart for free that will help you know what temperature is for what age!
The infrared light bulb (AKA heat lamp) usually costs anywhere from $20 – $30. You will also need an Indoor Multipurpose Heat Clamp and work Light (basically a holder for the heat lamp), this should cost about $20 and I recommend getting one with a clamp so it is easy to set up in the brooder. If you are concerned about whether or not it is too hot or too cold in your brooder look at the chicks and observe their behaviour. If the chicks are huddled close together directly under the heat lamp, they may be too cold. If they are spread out and are sticking to the edges of the brooder they could be too warm. Make sure to keep an eye on your thermometer and ensure the thermometer is working properly. I also recommend turning the heat lamps on a few hours before your chicks arrive to let the brooder warm up and get to the right temperature. Keep your heat lamp away from flammable surfaces at all times.
Last but not least, make sure your feeders and waterers are filled and ready, and that your brooder is at the right temperature for chick arrival! GOOD LUCK!
– Jess
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