Brooders

Chick brooders and heat sources for the first four weeks, when chicks cannot hold their own body temperature and most losses happen. Gas brooders including a 600-chick warmer, infrared and ceramic bulbs, bulb holders, regulators and gas hose.

Size the heat to the floor area and to the coldest night the shed will see, not the average one. Then judge it by the chicks rather than by the thermometer: spread evenly means it is right, huddled under the lamp means too cold, pressed against the walls means too hot.

Gas costs less to run across a full batch; bulbs cost less to buy and are simpler for small numbers.