Brooder Temperature Calculator
Enter your chicks' age in weeks to get the target brooder temperature. Always give chicks room to move toward or away from the heat.
Target temperature95°F
StatusStill needs a heat source
How we calculate it
Target °F = 95 − (week − 1) × 5, with a floor of 65°F (room temperature).
Based on:
- Start at ~95°F and reduce heat weekly as chicks feather out (Poultry Extension)
- Small-flock brooding and rearing guidance (Penn State Extension)
Figures are typical guidelines for planning. Your birds, breed, climate, and feed will vary.
Frequently asked questions
How warm should a chick brooder be?
Start at about 95°F (35°C) in the first week, then lower the temperature by roughly 5°F each week until you reach ambient room temperature.
When can chicks come off heat?
Most chicks are fully feathered and ready to leave the heat source at about 5 to 6 weeks, once the brooder target reaches around 65°F.
How do I know if chicks are too hot or too cold?
Watch behavior: chicks huddled under the heat are cold, chicks pressed to the far edges are too hot, and chicks spread evenly are comfortable.