Chicken brooder size for 10 chicks
Quick answer: Using Penn State Extension's minimums, 10 chicks need 2.5 sq ft of brooder floor the first week, 5 sq ft at 2 to 3 weeks, 7.5 sq ft at 3 to 5 weeks and 10 sq ft at 5 to 8 weeks. University of Maryland Extension says to start at 90 to 95°F and drop 5°F a week.
Week-by-week brooder plan for 10 chicks
| Age | Penn State sq ft per chick | Total for 10 chicks (derived) | Penn State max. temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st week | 0.25 | 2.5 | 92–95°F |
| 2–3 weeks | 0.5 | 5 | 85–90°F |
| 3–5 weeks | 0.75 | 7.5 | 80–85°F |
| 5–8 weeks | 1.0 | 10 | 70–80°F |
Per-chick floor space and temperatures: Penn State Extension, Space Should Increase as Birds Grow. Totals = per-chick figure × 10.
Temperature schedule
University of Maryland Extension says to start brooding at 90 to 95°F for the first week and reduce the temperature by 5°F each week until the chicks are five weeks old and the house is 70 to 75°F. Hang a thermometer at chick level. Chicks bunched near the heat and chirping loudly are cold; chicks panting and spread away from it are too warm.
Different chick count?
The brooder size calculator runs any number of chicks through both the Penn State and University of Maine tables.