Get the correct brooder temperature for any age of chick, duckling, gosling, or poult — with a full week-by-week schedule and behavioral cues to watch for.
| Week | Temp (°F) | Temp (°C) | Heat Level | Notes |
|---|
Day-old chicks need a brooder temperature of 95°F directly under the heat source. Reduce the temperature by 5°F each week until you reach ambient room temperature or the chicks are fully feathered (around 6 weeks). Always watch the chicks' behavior — huddling means too cold, spreading to the edges means too hot.
Chicks can be moved outside permanently once they are fully feathered, which typically happens around 6 weeks of age for most breeds. They should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F until fully feathered. Gradually introduce them to outdoor temperatures before full transition.
A heat lamp (250W red bulb) heats the entire brooder from above and creates a fire hazard if it falls. A radiant heating plate (Brinsea-style) mimics a mother hen — chicks go under it to warm up, then come out to eat and drink. Heating plates are safer, more energy-efficient, and produce calmer chicks.