How to Set Up the Perfect Chicken Brooder – Temperature, Bedding & Space

Bringing home a batch of fluffy chicks is exciting, but their first few weeks are critical for growth, health, and safety. A well-planned chicken brooder setup gives them the warmth, comfort, and space they need to thrive before moving into the coop. Here’s how to create the perfect environment – from temperature control to bedding and space – so your chicks get the very best start in life.

Quick Checklist to Set Up Your Chicken Brooder:

• Keep temperature at 32–35°C in Week 1

• Use absorbent bedding (pine or hemp)

• Provide 0.05m²+ space per chick

• Use adjustable heat lamps or plates

• Add feeders, waterers, and perches for enrichment

Chicken Brooder Temperature Guide: Getting It Right From Day One 

Newly hatched chicks can’t regulate their body temperature, so your brooder needs to provide consistent, gentle warmth.

• Week 1: Aim for around 32-35°C directly under the heat source.

• Each week after: Reduce the temperature by about 3°C until they are fully feathered (usually at 5-6 weeks old).

• Signs to watch: If chicks huddle under the heat source, they’re too cold. If they stay at the far edges, they may be too hot.

Many chicken keepers in Australia opt for adjustable heat lamps or radiant heat plates. The key is to use a reliable, adjustable source so you can fine-tune conditions as the chicks grow.

Best Bedding for a Chicken Brooder

Good bedding helps keep the brooder dry, controls odours, and gives chicks a comfortable surface for scratching and exploring.

• Pine shavings are a popular choice – they’re absorbent, affordable, and easy to replace.

• Hemp bedding is another great option, offering excellent absorption and low dust.

• Avoid slippery materials like newspaper, which can cause leg problems in young chicks.

Change bedding daily if it's wet or soiled, and do a full clean every few days to reduce the risk of respiratory illness.

How Much Space Do Chicks Need in a Brooder?

Even tiny chicks need room to roam. Overcrowding can lead to stress, feather pecking, and slower growth.

• Minimum: 0.05m² per chick in early weeks 

• Increase space as they grow or show signs of crowding

• Provide warm and cool zones so chicks can self-regulate temperature

Include feeders and drinkers in easy-to-access spots, but keep them away from the heat source to prevent spills from becoming a hazard. 

If you’re raising a larger batch, consider modular brooders or panels you can expand as needed.

Brooder Accessories for Happy, Healthy Chicks 

Once you’ve got the essentials sorted – warmth, clean bedding, and space – you can make life even better for your chicks by adding:

• Chick-safe feeders and waterers to keep food and water clean.

• Low perches encourage natural behaviour early.

• Draft guards to protect against sudden cold breezes.

• Thermometer or thermostat to track and control heat precisely

Your Chicken Brooder Setup Made Simple 

At Pet Control HQ, we know how much difference the right gear makes when raising chicks. That’s why we’ve put together a range of chicken essentials – from durable feeders and drinkers to heat lamps, grooming supplies and electric fencing to keep them safe – to help you create the ideal chicken brooder in Australia.

Whether you’re a first-time chicken keeper or a seasoned backyard poultry pro, our handpicked products are designed to make brooding stress-free for you and safe, warm, and nurturing for your chicks. Explore our full range today and set your flock up for success from day one with our collection of chicken brooding essentials.