How it works
The standard brooder rule is to start chicks at about 95°F in the first week and lower the heat by about 5°F each week until it reaches room temperature, usually around 6 weeks when they are fully feathered. Ducklings and goslings start cooler, at about 90°F, and feather out sooner. Turkey poults start at about 95°F (some keepers run 95–100°F) and feather more slowly. Quail start at about 95°F and feather fastest of all.
The temperature that counts is the one at chick height, directly under the heat source. Leave the rest of the brooder cooler so the birds can move away from the heat when they need to.
How to use it
Choose the birds and enter their hatch date. The calculator works out their age in days and reads the matching week from the chart. Check your thermometer against the result, then watch the birds: their behavior is the final test.
Reference chart
| Age | Chicks | Ducklings & goslings | Turkey poults | Quail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (days 0–6) | 95°F | 90°F | 95°F | 95°F |
| Week 2 (days 7–13) | 90°F | 85°F | 90°F | 90°F |
| Week 3 (days 14–20) | 85°F | 80°F | 85°F | 85°F |
| Week 4 (days 21–27) | 80°F | 75°F | 80°F | 80°F |
| Week 5 (days 28–34) | 75°F | 70°F | 75°F | room temp |
| Week 6 (days 35–41) | 70°F | room temp | 70°F | room temp |
| Heat usually off from | about 6 weeks | about 5 weeks | about 6–8 weeks | about 4 weeks |
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a brooder be for chicks?
About 95°F at chick height for the first week, then about 5°F cooler each week: 90°F in week 2, 85°F in week 3, 80°F in week 4, 75°F in week 5 and 70°F in week 6.
How do I know if my chicks are too hot or too cold?
Chicks huddled tightly under the heat and peeping loudly are cold. Chicks crowded against the far walls, panting or holding their wings out are too hot. Chicks spread out, eating, drinking and napping are comfortable.
When can chicks go without a heat lamp?
Most chicks are fully feathered and can go without extra heat at about 6 weeks, if the room or outside nights stay around 65–70°F or warmer. In cold weather, keep heat available at night a little longer.
Is a heat lamp safe in a brooder?
Heat lamps cause many coop and barn fires. Clamp and chain the lamp so it cannot fall, keep it well away from bedding and walls, or use a radiant heat plate instead. Never rely on the clamp alone.
Figures are typical values from university extension and breed-association guidance. Estimates only. Individual animals vary — confirm pregnancy and health questions with your veterinarian. Last reviewed 2026-09-29.