Brooding Chicks For Cheap

Brooding Chicks For Cheap

February 20, 2022

(Our cheap chick brooder. ;)

Chickens, a coop, run, fencing, feed, supplements, waterers, feeders, first aid supplies...the costs can add up when you're preparing for your backyard flock. 

But getting started with baby chicks doesn't have to cost you that much!

Here are a few clever tips to help you get started for less...but you'll need to start stockpiling some things (if you don't already have them around the house) in advance of bringing your chicks home this spring.

The Brooder-

Baby chicks need a nursery to live in until they're big enough to live outside in their coop. It's called a "brooder" and can be as simple as a cardboard box. Done. (Or if you have a stock tank, galvanized tub or dog kennel, you can also use that.)

Brooder Bedding-

The brooder needs something soft and grippy and absorbent on the bottom to keep water messes and poop under control. The easiest (and cleanest) thing I've found is a few layers of newspapers with a piece of rubber shelf liner on top. 

When the brooder needs cleaning, the newspaper simply gets tossed and the shelf liner  can be rinsed or hosed off, allowed to dry, and reused. (Cutting a few pieces helps so you can swap a new clean one in while the old one is drying.) 

Feeder-

You can buy a commercial chick feeder (there are several styles available) or you can simply cut the top off an egg carton and fill it with chick feed. Toss it when it gets dirty.

Feed-

Speaking of feed, baby chicks do need a good-quality chick feed to get a good start in life, so I wouldn't skimp there, but they don't eat much when they're that small, so your cost will be minimal.

You can also scramble up eggs as a treat for your chicks (super nutritious - they contain everything a baby chick needs in life except Vitamin C - and don't worry, they won't turn your little chicks into cannibals or egg eaters!) and your chicks will love them. 

That will help stretch the feed a bit longer.

Grit-

Baby chicks, like adult hens, need grit to help them digest their food since they don't have teeth. There is special chick grit available commercially. 

But a dish of coarse dirt from outside will suffice. You can save all kinds of plastic containers, from take-out or that produce comes in, throughout the year to use in your brooder.  

They come in so handy - and they're free. The nice thing is that the dish of dirt will double as a little dust bath that your chicks will love taking turns flopping around in.

Waterer-

Chicks need a special chick waterer, small dish or container for their water.

A shallow plastic lid is perfect for their first few days, then you can replace it with slightly larger containers as your chicks grow. You will need to put some stones in the water dish for the first week or so to be sure the chicks don't accidentally fall in and drown. 

Baby chicks are incredibly top-heavy and accidents happen. It's important to check the water frequently to be sure it's clean and not soiled with droppings.

Electrolytes-

It doesn't hurt to offer baby chicks some electrolytes for the first few days - especially if they were shipped -to give them energy and replace any nutrients lost. 

A sprinkle of sugar in their water, or a few drops of honey, is a good substitute. Or you can make your own electrolytes by mixing 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon baking soda into a gallon of water.

Brooder Heat-

The one thing you really can't get around buying is a heat lamp. The brooder should be 95 degrees the first week, and then you can lower the temperature 5 degrees a week after that (although watch your chicks for guidance on the temperature. 

Happy chicks scamper around peeping quietly, cold chicks huddle and peep loudly. 

If you keep your house pretty warm or can situate the brooder next to a radiator or wood stove, you might be able to get away with that. 

You can also hang a feather duster in the brooder along with a lightbulb to keep your babies warm.

Saving a little money raising your chicks, where you can, is a good way to get started with your backyard flock without it costing you too much. Save your money for a safe coop and nice, large secure run for them once they move outside!