10 Essential Features Every Chicken Brooder Needs

Raising baby chicks is one of the most exciting experiences of homestead life, but it does come with its challenges. When I first started raising chicks, I was overwhelmed with all the things I thought I needed. But after learning the ropes, I realized there are 10 essential features every chicken brooder needs to keep those little chicks happy and healthy.

A well-thought-out chick brooder box will provide the warmth, security, and space they need to thrive. If you're setting up your first brooder, or even upgrading your setup, make sure you’ve got these brooder essentials covered. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to create the perfect environment for your baby chicks!

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1. A Solid, Easy-to-Clean Base

Chicks can be messy! A solid base that’s easy to clean is key to maintaining a hygienic brooder. After trying multiple brooder setups over the years, I’ve found the best combination: Rubbermaid storage totes for the first four weeks and a PawHut Indoor Rabbit Hutch for older chicks.

The Rubbermaid totes do a great job of containing heat while keeping the chicks secure. They’re also incredibly easy to clean, making them a perfect choice for young chicks who need a warm and controlled environment.

Once the chicks start outgrowing the tote, I transition them to the rabbit hutch, which gives them more space while keeping them safely contained. The slide-out trays make cleaning effortless, and the enclosed design keeps curious dogs from bothering the chicks.

What to Look for in a Brooder Base:

✔ Plastic or metal trays – Easy to wipe down and disinfect
✔ Easy-to-remove trays – Makes daily cleaning a breeze
✔ Raised edges – Helps keep bedding from spilling everywhere

Cleaning Tip:

No matter what brooder setup you use, daily cleaning is a must! Growing chicks eat a lot, which means they also create a lot of waste. I use puppy pee pads as a liner instead of traditional bedding. They’re disposable, absorbent, and don’t create dust like shavings or straw. This keeps the brooder much cleaner and makes cleanup as simple as swapping out the pad.

💡 Shop Now:
🔹 Rubbermaid Storage Totes – Perfect for young chicks
🔹 PawHut Indoor Rabbit Hutch – Great for growing chicks
🔹 Puppy Pee Pads – Easy, dust-free brooder liner

2. Brooder Heat Source

Baby chicks need a reliable heat source in their early days since they can't regulate their body temperature. After researching traditional heat lamps, I quickly learned about the fire risks and wanted a safer alternative. That’s when I discovered heat plates—a much safer and energy-efficient way to keep chicks warm.

What I Use & Why

I’ve been using a brooder heating plate with adjustable height for five years now, and it has been a game-changer. This model provides warmth for up to 15 chicks and eliminates the fire hazards that come with heat lamps. It was affordable, easy to set up, and heats up quickly—plus, my chicks love it!

My Experience

• Consistent Heat: This plate has kept steady temperatures every time I’ve used it. Even in cooler rooms, I’ve never had issues with fluctuations.

• Chick-Approved: Every batch of chicks I’ve raised has adapted to it without any problems.

• So Good, I Bought Another: Since I usually have two brooders going in the spring, I picked up a second one to make chick-raising even easier!

What I Love Most

The adjustable height is fantastic! As chicks grow, you can easily raise the plate higher, ensuring they always have the perfect amount of warmth. It’s super simple to adjust, making it a stress-free experience.

One Important Tip

Once chicks get old enough to start roosting, clean the top of the plate daily. If you let mess build up, it can be a pain to clean later!

Shop My Favorite Heat Plate

For a safe and efficient heat source for your chicks, I highly recommend this brooder heating plate.

3. Thermometer

Keeping track of the temperature inside your brooder is essential for raising healthy chicks. Since baby chicks are sensitive to temperature changes, having a reliable way to monitor their environment helps you adjust the heat plate as they grow.

Why I Use a Room Thermometer

I use a simple, affordable digital room thermometer that comes in a 2-pack for under $10. It’s a great budget-friendly option, and I actually use the same ones in my seed-starting room since they also measure humidity. The compact size makes them easy to place anywhere in the brooder for an accurate reading.

Portable and Easy to Use

These thermometers are lightweight and can be moved around easily to check different areas of the brooder. Whether you place one under the heat plate or at the opposite end of the brooder, you’ll always have an accurate temperature reading.

My Recommended Thermometer

Digital Room Thermometer (2-Pack) – Check Price on Amazon

4. Non-Slip Bedding

Chicks are always on the move, so having a non-slip bedding option is essential to keep them safe from slipping and splay leg injuries. The right bedding will also absorb moisture and make daily cleaning easier.

What to Look for:

✅ Soft, non-slip surface for chick safety
✅ Easy to change and clean
✅ Absorbent material to reduce odor and moisture buildup

Why I Recommend Puppy Pee Pads Over Traditional Bedding

I used to use pine shavings in my brooder, but I quickly realized how messy they were. Chicks would kick them everywhere, and the fine dust made a huge mess inside the house. That’s when I made the switch to puppy pee pads, and I haven’t looked back since!

These pads provide a soft, non-slip surface for the chicks while also being super easy to clean. Instead of dealing with dust and shavings scattered everywhere, I simply roll up the used pad and replace it daily. Plus, they absorb moisture well, keeping the brooder fresh and odor-free.

🔗 Get the puppy pee pads I use here: Amazon Link

5. Food and Water Containers

Your chicks need constant access to fresh food and water, but not all containers are created equal. Choosing the right feeder and waterer will reduce waste, prevent spills, and keep your brooder cleaner.

What to Look for:

✅ Spill-proof design to keep bedding dry
✅ Large enough for multiple chicks to eat and drink at once
✅ Easy to clean with no hard-to-reach areas

Why I Recommend These Standard Feeder and Waterer Sets

I’ve tried several different styles over the years, but these simple feeders and waterers have been my favorite! They’re easy to clean, with no tiny spaces for dirt or chick droppings to get trapped. The design prevents chicks from tipping them over or wasting food, which saves me money and keeps the brooder tidier.

They’re also the perfect size—small enough to keep chicks safe from drowning, but large enough for multiple chicks to eat and drink at the same time. Plus, they’re super affordable!

🔗 Check them out here: Amazon Link

6. Chick Brooder Light

Since I use a heat plate instead of a traditional heat lamp, there are times when extra lighting is necessary. Short winter days can leave the brooder too dark, and having a light makes it easier to check on the chicks at night.

I use a rechargeable clip-on night light because it’s convenient, reliable, and lasts up to 40 hours on a single charge. It’s USB rechargeable, so I never have to worry about replacing batteries, and the adjustable brightness lets me control the amount of light without disturbing the chicks. I simply clip it to the side of the brooder for hands-free illumination whenever needed.

👉 Check out the rechargeable clip-on night light here.

Chick Perches for Exercise and Rest

Chicks naturally start perching on anything they can find as they grow. Adding a small perch to the brooder helps them develop strong legs and feet while satisfying their natural instincts.

The Perch I Use and Recommend

I use this adjustable plastic chick perch because it’s easy to clean—unlike wooden perches that can absorb moisture and bacteria. It’s also adjustable, so I can change the height as the chicks grow.

Chicks love perching, and it's amazing to watch their natural instincts at work! This simple addition to the brooder helps keep their feet and legs strong while giving them a place to rest and practice balancing.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I clean the perch under warm running water with a toothbrush every time I clean the brooder. This keeps it free from droppings and prevents bacteria buildup.

How to Introduce a Perch to Your Chicks

• Start Low – Begin with the perch close to the ground so young chicks can easily hop on.

• Place It in a Familiar Area – Position it near their food or where they naturally gather.

• Encourage Exploration – Some chicks may take a few days to start using it, but they’ll catch on quickly.

• Keep It Clean – Regularly wipe down or wash the perch to maintain hygiene.

Conclusion

Setting up the right chicken brooder setup is essential to raising happy, healthy chicks. By focusing on these 10 chick brooder essentials, you’ll provide the perfect space for your baby chicks to grow into strong, thriving chickens. Whether you're using a DIY chick brooder or purchasing pre-made brooder items, these features will help you get started on the right foot.