The Big Picture
The first eight weeks of a chick’s life quietly determine everything that comes after — immune strength, growth rate, temperament, and long-term laying performance. Spring gives you the ideal environment to get this right, but success depends on following the birds’ biology, not the calendar.
This guide walks you through exactly what your chicks need each week — no guesswork, no chaos, no late-night panic Googling.
Week-by-Week Brooding Plan
Week 1: Arrival & Stabilization
Heat: 95–100°F directly under heat source
Food: Chick starter (18–20% protein), unlimited
Water: Always clean, shallow, refreshed multiple times daily
Space: ½ sq ft per chick
What to Watch:
• Pasty butt
• Huddling (too cold)
• Panting/spreading (too hot)
This week is all about stability. Avoid over-handling. Let them sleep, eat, and grow.
Week 2: First Growth Spurt
Heat: 90°F
Space: ¾ sq ft per chick
Development: Early feathering, more curiosity
Chicks begin exploring, jumping, and testing boundaries. Start thinking about expanding brooder space.
Week 3: Strength & Confidence
Heat: 85°F
Space: 1 sq ft per chick
Add: Grit only if offering treats
At this stage, chicks are alert, fast, and full of opinions.
Week 4: Feather Breakthrough
Heat: 80°F
Space: 1.5 sq ft per chick
Development: Major feathering begins
They regulate body heat better now but still rely on warmth at night.
Week 5: Pre-Outdoor Prep
Heat: 75°F
Development: Nearly fully feathered
Start: Supervised outdoor visits on warm, calm days
Let them explore grass, sun, and dirt — nature’s enrichment lab.
Week 6: Heat Weaning
Heat: 70°F (many chicks need little to no supplemental heat now)
Space: 2 sq ft per chick
Outdoor Time: Increasing
If nighttime temps are mild and the chicks are fully feathered, you’re approaching coop-ready.
Week 7–8: Transition Phase
Heat: Usually unnecessary
Behavior: Calm, confident, social
Move to Coop: When fully feathered and nights stay above ~60°F
This is when spring timing pays off. Chicks raised in warming weather handle the move smoothly.
Brooder Setup Essentials
• Pine shavings or hemp bedding
• Draft-free but ventilated enclosure
• Adjustable heat source
• Separate food and water zones
• Plenty of room to move as they grow
Keeping an Eye on Things (Even When You’re Not Home)
One of the most overlooked parts of successful brooding is consistent observation. Chicks can go from perfectly fine to stressed or chilled surprisingly fast, especially in those first few weeks when temperature and airflow matter most.
A simple way many backyard keepers solve this is by installing one of our Smart Coop AI Cameras so they can check in on their birds throughout the day — from work, errands, or even the couch. Being able to glance at your setup and confirm that everyone’s spread out comfortably (not huddled, not panting, not pacing) takes a lot of the guesswork and anxiety out of brooding.
If you don’t already have one, you can find a coop camera designed specifically for backyard flocks on our website — and once you're set up with the App, you’ll wonder how you ever brooded chicks without it.
Why Spring Makes This Easier
Spring chicks grow with rising temperatures, increasing daylight, and abundant outdoor exposure. Their immune systems strengthen naturally, stress stays lower, and the transition to the coop is far gentler than winter brooding.
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Further Reading
If you're planning to expand your flock this spring, timing your chick purchases correctly makes the entire process easier and healthier from the start.
Start here:
→ 2026 Spring Chick Season: When to Get Chicks & Best Timing Strategies
→ Introducing New Birds to Your Existing Flock
Then continue with:
- Quarantine Practices for New Chickens: A Complete Guide
- Flock Psychology 101: Understanding Pecking Order & Avoiding Bullying
(These companion guides are part of our Spring 2026 Chicken Care Series.)
