The Best Chick Brooder Guide: 2023’s Hot Picks Revealed

Are you tired of dealing with the frustration and disappointment that comes with choosing a low-quality chick brooder? We’ve all been there – investing in a brooder that fails to maintain the right temperature, causes discomfort for your chicks, and leaves you with a headache. 

But fear not, because I’ve personally put in the time and effort to test and review the best chick brooders on the market in 2023. In this review, I’ll reveal the top choices that will save you from the pains of a subpar brooding experience. 

What is a Chick Brooder?

A chick brooder is an enclosure or heating system designed to provide a controlled and warm environment for newly hatched chicks. It simulates the warmth and protection that a mother hen would offer to her chicks. 

Chick brooders are essential for the care and survival of baby chicks during their early weeks of life. They typically consist of a heat source, such as a heat lamp or heating plate, and an enclosed space where the chicks can access warmth while having room to move around.

Reviews of the Best 7 Chick Brooders 

• Best Chick Brooder- Premier Chick Brooder Heating Plate
• Best for Beginner – Farm Innovators Model 3700 Baby Chick Starter Home Kit
• Best Heating Plate – Brinsea Products Ecoglow 20 Safety 600 Brooder
• Most Premium- Rural365 Chick Heating Plate Brooder Plate
• Best Value – RentACoop 12″ x 12″ Chick Brooder Heating Plate
• Best Budget-Friendly – Titan Incubators Chick Heating Plate/Brooder

Premier Chick Brooder Heating Plate

The Premier Chick Brooder Heating Plate is a safe and efficient alternative to heat lamps, reducing the risk of fire hazards. The heating plate keeps chicks warm through contact with its warm underside, which is gentle to the touch, ensuring their comfort and safety. 

You can easily adjust the height from 1.5 to 6 inches using the adjustable legs to cater to the size of your growing chicks. This 12×12-inch heating plate can warm up to 20 chicks, and it operates on a standard 110-volt outlet while consuming just 22 watts/hr. 

Pros

• Backed by a one-year limited warranty
• Equipped with a sufficiently sized power cord
• The underside plate surface reaches approximately 125°F when fully heated
• The heating component is securely encased in polyurethane insulation
• Crafted from durable ABS plastic
• Demonstrates energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Cons

• May require some time to reach full heating capacity

Farm Innovators Model 3700 Baby Chick Starter Home Kit

The Farm Innovators 3700 Baby Chick Starter Home Kit is a cost-effective and practical solution for housing baby chicks in their early weeks. With ten easy-to-connect plastic panels forming a 3-foot diameter corral, it can comfortably accommodate up to 15 chicks. 

The adjustable height brooder lamp hanger stand allows precise temperature control, making it easy to create the ideal environment for your chicks. Simple to set up, easy to clean, and foldable for convenient storage, it’s a no-frills option perfect for those with existing heat sources. 

However, keep in mind that its thin plastic walls may not withstand pressure from larger animals, making it best suited for dedicated chick-raising purposes.

Pros

• Convenient for storage and future use
• Accommodates up to 10 chicks comfortably
• The brooder is exceptionally lightweight and portable
• Ideal for individuals with an existing heat source

Cons

• Inappropriate for homes with pets

Brinsea Products Ecoglow 20 Safety 600 Brooder

The Brinsea Products Ecoglow 20 Safety 600 Brooder is an excellent choice for keeping your newly hatched chicks or ducklings warm and safe. It’s designed to accommodate up to 20 young birds and operates on a safe 12-volt radiant-heated underside, ensuring uniform temperature while minimizing power consumption and eliminating the risk of fire. 

The adjustable height settings make it suitable for different chick sizes, and the indicator light confirms its connection. With a durable and easy-to-clean construction, it even includes a free clear plastic cover. 

Plus, it promotes a natural day/night cycle, which enhances weight gain and feather growth in your little ones. This brooder is a reliable and efficient solution for your chick-raising needs.

Pros

• Customer service is attentive and prompt
• Offers a choice of three different plate sizes
• Features an indicator light to verify the brooder’s operational status
• Includes a complimentary 3-year warranty
• The pioneer in heating plate innovation

Cons

• Appears to be relatively small for the recommended chick capacity

Rural365 Chick Heating Plate Brooder Plate

This electric chick warmer plate mimics a mother hen’s warmth, promoting robust growth and feather development. With its 10×10-inch size, the Rural365 Chick Heating Plate Brooder Plate can comfortably accommodate 10 to 20 newly hatched chicks, and you can easily adjust the leg height to ensure the chicks have direct contact with the plate. 

The brooder plate set includes four adjustable legs ranging from 1.2 to 7.3 inches, allowing you to adapt as your chicks grow. It’s an energy-efficient option with a 15-watt power consumption, equipped with safety features like a resistant fuse and temperature fuse to prevent overheating. 

Made from durable ABS plastic and designed for uniform heat distribution, this brooder plate is a reliable and safe choice for your baby fowl. Plus, the red LED indicator ensures you know when it’s heating, giving you peace of mind in caring for your chicks.

Pros

• Simple to maintain and clean
• Appropriate for approximately 8 chicks
• Cost-effective in terms of operational expenses
• Includes legs that can be adjusted for height
• Offers an extremely affordable price

Cons

• Customer support lacks effectiveness

RentACoop 12″ x 12″ Chick Brooder Heating Plate

The RentACoop Chick Brooder Heating Plate is like having a mother hen for your chicks, keeping them warm and snug just as nature intended. It provides direct warmth from the heated underside at a temperature of 105-110 degrees F, ideal for your little ones. 

With 25 adjustable height settings ranging from 1 to 7 inches, it’s easy to customize to your growing flock’s needs. This heating plate is not only an economical choice but also a safer alternative to heat lamps, reducing the risk of fires. 

The package includes the heating plate, adjustable legs, a 6ft power cord, and clear instructions, backed by excellent customer service. 

Pros

• Adequate for accommodating up to 10 chicks comfortably
• Economical in terms of operating costs
• Offers a choice of 25 adjustable height configurations
• Boasts a straightforward and user-friendly setup
• Features automatic heat regulation
• High-quality

Cons

• Does not come equipped with an anti-roosting cover

Titan Incubators Chick Heating Plate/Brooder

The Titan Incubators Chick Heating Plate/Brooder Hen is a fantastic solution for nurturing newly hatched chicks or waterfowl. Emitting safe radiant heat, it provides a cozy environment for your young birds to thrive. 

This 30x30cm model can comfortably accommodate 1-25 chicks, and its easily adjustable legs allow it to grow alongside your flock. What sets it apart is its remarkable energy efficiency, consuming only 20 watts of power, a whopping 92% lower than a typical 250W heat lamp. This translates to significant savings over the rearing period. 

Setting it up is a breeze, making it suitable for both beginners and experts. And, Titan Incubators offers excellent after-sales support, ensuring you have all the assistance you need. 

Pros

• Straightforward setup and safe operation
• Features height-adjustable legs for convenience
• A very suitable alternative to a heat lamp
• Highly cost-effective in terms of energy consumption
• The heating surface maintains a safe temperature
• The radiant metal plate effectively conducts heat

Cons

• Lacks a curved anti-roosting lid

Where to Place Your Chick Brooder?

Before your chicks arrive, make sure everything  is ready. Opt for an indoor, draft-free area that is easily accessible for monitoring, feeding, and cleaning. Keep the brooder away from potential predators and ensure it’s on a stable, level surface. 

If using a heat source, such as a lamp or heating plate, make sure it is securely installed and not a fire hazard. Adequate space and proper bedding are essential for the chicks’ comfort and health.

Read also: How Long Do Chicks Need a Heat Lamp: The Definite Answer

What are the Advantages of Incubating Chicks in Your Home?

• Educational Experience – Incubating chicks at home can serve as an excellent learning opportunity for children and adults alike. It teaches about the life cycle, biology, and the responsibilities of caring for living beings.
• Control Over Environment – When you incubate at home, you have full control over the incubation environment. This means you can ensure the eggs are kept at the optimal brooder temperature and humidity levels, and you can monitor them closely for any issues.
• Connection with Food Source – For those who keep chickens for eggs or meat, incubating chicks at home provides a direct connection to one’s food source. It fosters a greater appreciation and understanding of where food comes from.
• Guarantee of Health – By incubating and raising your chicks, you have a better understanding of their health from day one. This can reduce the risk of introducing diseases that might come with buying mature birds.
• Cost-Effective – In the long run, hatching your own chicks can be more cost-effective than continuously purchasing new birds. There’s an initial investment for equipment, but the cost per chick is often lower.
• Emotional Bond – Hatching and raising chicks from eggs can lead to a stronger emotional bond with the birds. Watching them grow from day one creates a unique connection.
• Potential Income Source – If you become proficient at incubating and have a sizable setup, you can potentially sell chicks or hatch eggs to other enthusiasts, providing a source of income.
• Self-Sufficiency – Being able to incubate eggs contributes to a self-sufficient lifestyle, especially for those interested in homesteading or living off the grid.
• Entertainment – It’s fascinating and exciting to watch the development of chicks, from the initial stages inside the egg to the moment they hatch. The entire process can be very entertaining and satisfying.

What are the Factors to Consider When Buying Chick Brooder?

When purchasing the best chick brooder, it’s essential to ensure it provides a safe, warm, and healthy environment for the chicks. Here are the factors to consider to make chicks healthy:

Size & Capacity

The first consideration when choosing a chick brooder is its size and capacity. The brooder needs to be spacious enough to comfortably house the number of chicks you intend to raise. 

Overcrowding can lead to stress, health issues, and aggressive behavior among chicks. It’s also vital to anticipate the rapid growth rate of chicks and ensure that the brooder will still provide enough space as they get bigger.

Materials & Construction

The materials from which the brooder is made play a significant role in its functionality and durability. It’s crucial to select the best chick brooder made from non-toxic, durable materials. 

Additionally, these materials should be easy to clean and disinfect. A clean brooder is vital for preventing diseases and ensuring the overall health of the chicks.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation in a chick brooder is indispensable. A well-ventilated brooder ensures a continuous supply of fresh air, helping to prevent the buildup of ammonia from chick droppings. 

Additionally, good airflow helps regulate humidity levels, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and mold growth.

Heat Source

Young chicks require a consistent and reliable heat source to thrive, especially in their initial weeks. Whether it’s a heat lamp or a radiant heater, it’s essential to ensure it provides the right amount of warmth without overheating the chicks. 

Safety is paramount, so any heating element used should have safety features to prevent fires or burns.

Ease of Access & Security

Having easy access to the brooder makes it simpler to check on the chicks, clean the brooder, and provide chick starter feed and water. 

However, while ease of access is essential, the best chick brooder also needs to be secure. A well-designed brooder will protect chicks from potential predators and prevent them from escaping.

Flooring & Bedding

The floor of the brooder should be non-slip to prevent leg issues in the chicks. Many people use textured paper towels for the first few days and then switch to pine shavings or another suitable bedding. The chosen bedding should be absorbent, easy to change, and non-toxic to chicks.

Food & Water Accessibility

Ensure the brooder design allows for easy placement of chick feed and water containers. Chicks eat so much and they are messy, so these containers should be stable to prevent tipping, easy to clean, and designed in a way that chicks can’t walk or defecate in them.

Cost & Durability

Lastly, consider the cost and durability of the brooder. Investing in a high-quality, durable brooder might have a higher initial expense but will provide a safer environment for the chicks and last through multiple brooding seasons, offering better value in the long run.

My Best Pick for the Best Chick Brooder

The Premier Chick Brooder Heating Plate has proven to be my top pick for the best chick brooder. It excels in providing a safe and controlled environment for newly hatched chicks, ensuring their comfort and well-being. 

The ease of setup, reliability, and the added benefit of huge energy savings make it a standout choice. Moreover, the manufacturer’s commitment to customer support adds to the overall appeal of this brooder heating plate. 

Whether you’re a seasoned poultry enthusiast or a beginner, this chicken brooder is a dependable and practical choice for raising happy and healthy chicks.