keep baby chicks warm without a heat lamp
How to keep baby chicks warm without a heat lamp because the temperature matters when you are little. Get our list of things you can do to keep your brooder area cozy and at the right temp to give your chicks the healthiest start at life.
Raising chickens that are healthy using tips that fit your setup and the goals you want to have from day one.
Chicks are unique animals on a homestead because they hatch nearly self-sufficient, requiring little care from their mother to survive. This means they are easy to raise, making them a good starting point for anyone looking to add animals to their setup.
When you bring home chicks, they’re typically just a few days old, so creating a space that mimics the warmth and care of a mother will help them settle in and thrive.
Baby Chick Housing
Baby chick housing, often called a brooder, is a safe, warm space where young chicks stay until they’re ready to move into a coop. A brooder can be as simple as a cardboard box or a plastic tub as long as it’s protected from outside threats and comfortable.
It should have enough room for the chicks to move around freely, with designated areas for food and water.
Most chicks remain in the brooder until they’re about 6 to 8 weeks old, at which point they’ve developed all their feathers and are ready to join older chickens in the coop.
Where to Keep the Brooder
A chick brooder should be placed in a safe, draft-free area where you can easily control and monitor the temperature. Indoors is often the best choice, such as a mudroom or a quiet corner of your home, especially during colder weather.
If you prefer to use a garage or barn, be sure the area is well-protected from predators and is warm enough to keep your chicks healthy.
No matter where you set it up, choose a location where you can regularly check on the chicks and make any necessary adjustments to keep them safe and comfortable.
Temperature Requirements
Keeping baby chicks warm means finding the perfect balance. Since they can’t regulate their own body heat yet, they rely on us to provide the right temperature. For newborn chicks, aim for 95°F (35°C), lowering it by 5 degrees each week as they grow. Once they’re about six weeks old and fully feathered, they won’t need extra heat anymore.
How to Keep Baby Chicks Warm Without a Heat Lamp
Chicks rely on external heat sources to stay warm because they can’t regulate their body temperature yet. While heat lamps are a popular choice, they’re not the only option—and for many, concerns about fire hazards make avoiding them a top priority.
Luckily, there are several safe and effective alternatives that you can try.
1. Use a Heating Pad
A heating pad is a simple way to provide warmth for your chicks. Look for a pad with adjustable heat settings and place it beneath part of the brooder so the chicks can choose a warm or cooler area depending on their needs.
Tips for Use
- Cover the pad with a towel or bedding to prevent direct contact with the chicks.
- Ensure the heat setting is appropriate—similar to what a chick would experience under a mother hen (around 95°F for newborns).
- Check the pad frequently to make sure it’s functioning safely.
2. Set Up a Brooder Plate
A brooder plate is a safer, more secure alternative to a heat lamp, providing a warm and cozy space for chicks to gather underneath. Designed to mimic the natural warmth of a mother hen, brooder plates are adjustable, energy-efficient, and an excellent choice for keeping your chicks comfortable and safe.
CEED4U Chick Brooder Heater Plate with LCD Display, 10chumoasis Chicken Brooder for 20 Chicks, Anti-Scald Aluminum Plate Chick Brooder Heater Plate, 3 Adjustable Temperatures with Washable Cover Heating Plate-12 * 13
Sindarhor Heating Brooder Plate for Chicks Ducklings, Adjustable Brooder House for Keeping Poultry Warm(Yellow)
How to Use
- Position the plate so there’s enough space for the chicks to move in and out from under it. Chicks will naturally go to the plate when they feel cold and move around to eat and explore when they feel warm.
- Adjust the height as the chicks grow, ensuring it remains comfortable for them.
- Brooder plates are designed with safety in mind, greatly reducing the risk of overheating or fire.
3. Natural Insulation
If you’re looking for a more hands-off option, natural insulation techniques can help keep chicks warm. While this method may not replace a direct heat source, it works well in combination with other tools like heating pads.
This option is best when outside temps are much warmer and not a good option for winter months.
Ideas for Insulation
- Line the brooder with thick bedding like straw or wood shavings to trap warmth.
- Shield the brooder from drafts by adding cardboard or towels around the sides.
- Place the brooder in a small room where you can add additional heat to keep things at a steady heat level, such as a spare bathroom.
4. Hot Water Bottle
Using a hot water bottle is a safe and budget-friendly option to keep your chicks warm.
How to Use
- Fill the bottle with hot tap water, then wrap it in a towel or small blanket.
- Place the wrapped bottle in the brooder, where the chicks can stay close if they need warmth but won’t be crowded against it
- Check and refill as needed throughout the day.
5. Heating Mat for Pets
Another option for keeping chicks warm is a heating mat designed for pets. These mats are typically made with durable materials and have adjustable temperature settings, making them safe and efficient to use in a brooder.
ULIGOTA Self Warming Cat Bed Self Heating Cat Mat Thermal Pet Bed Mat Self-Warming Dog Crate Pad 20Furrybaby Pet Heating Pad, Waterproof Dog Heating Pad Mat for Cat with 5 Level Timer and Temperature, Pet Heated Warming Pad with Durable Anti-Bite Tube Indoor for Puppy Dog Cat (Black Paw, 17
NICREW Pet Heating Pad for Dogs and Cats, Heated Cat Bed with Steel-Wrapped Cord and Soft Fleece Cover, 17.7 x 15.7 Inches, 30 Watts
How to Use
- Place the heating mat at one end of the brooder, providing a warm spot for the chicks to gather if needed.
- Monitor the temperature closely and adjust as needed to ensure it stays between 90-95°F for the first week and decrease by 5 degrees each week after.
- Make sure to keep a thermometer in the brooder to monitor the temperature accurately.
Things to Keep in Mind
Each day check your chicks and watch how everyone is growing to ensure your setup is working as intended.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your brooder maintains the proper daily temperature (95°F for newborns, decreasing by 5°F each week).
- Monitor Behavior: Watch your chicks’ behavior. If they huddle close together, they’re too cold; if they scatter far apart, they’re too warm.
- Monitor Safety: Double-check everything—it’s better to make adjustments early than risk an unsafe setup.
Your goal with a brooder is to mimic the mother by providing a cozy, warm space that is safe from any threats outside. By checking on them daily, watching the temperatures, and providing fresh food and water, you will raise a flock of hens that will give you eggs for years to come.
How to keep baby chicks warm without a heat lamp so you can relax knowing you have a setup that is safe for your chicks and your home.