Heating plate
RentACoop Big Red Barn Brooder Set
Barn-style brooder that comes with a heating plate and lots of extras, but it's a little pricey.
Check price →Brooder boxes · Side by side
Which brooder is right for your chicks?
Every brooder we recommend, compared on the things that actually matter in the first six weeks: how they keep chicks warm, how much room they give, and how easy they are to clean.
I want…
Bring your own
64" Large Chick Brooder Box
Removable roof and floor make clean-outs easy, and it’s big.
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Heat lamp stand
Metal Chick Brooder with Heat Lamp Stand
Large metal brooder for chicks, ducks and quail. Looks good enough to put in your living room.
Check price →The full comparison
| Brooder | Heat source | Best for | Why we like it | Keep in mind | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RentACoop Big Red Barn Brooder Set | Heating plate (included) | Beginners who want it all in one box | Barn-style brooder that comes with its own heating plate, plenty of extras and it's stackable so you can add more of them. | Check the size against your batch | Check price → |
| 64" Large Chick Brooder Box | Bring your own | Bigger batches & longer stays | Lots of floor space; removable roof and floor make clean-outs easy. | Heat source not included | Check price → |
| Metal Chick Brooder with Heat Lamp Stand | Heat lamp stand (lamp not included) | Chicks, ducks and quail; lamp users | Sturdy metal box with a built-in lamp stand and large brooder plate. Slide out tray for cleaning. | Lamp not included | Check price → |
| Add-onChick Brooder Heat Plate | Is the heat source | Upgrading a lamp setup or a bring-your-own box | Safer than a heat lamp | Raise the height as chicks grow | Check price → |
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How to choose
Three questions before you buy
Most chicks spend five to six weeks in a brooder. Pick the one that fits your batch size and how you want to heat it — the rest is preference.
Get the free starter guide →1
How will you keep them warm?
A radiant heat plate mimics a mother hen and lets chicks come and go as they please. Heat lamps work, but need careful, secure mounting.
2
How many chicks, and for how long?
Chicks grow fast. If you're raising more than a handful, or might keep them in past week four, size up.
3
How will you clean it?
You'll be changing bedding often. Removable floors, roofs and wipe-clean liners save real time every week.