Brooding involves providing artificial heat to young chicks using brooders. It is necessary because chicks lack full thermoregulation and cannot maintain their body temperature in the first 1-2 weeks. The goals of brooding are to accelerate growth, develop organs, encourage uniformity, and maximize genetic potential while improving health. Common brooding methods include pancake brooders, furnace brooders, and radiant brooders. Proper brooding temperatures should start at 90°F day one and decrease weekly until 70°F at 5 weeks. Precise temperature control is important as chicks cannot self-regulate in whole-house systems. Partial housing can save on fuel but needs adequate space and should be expanded after one week. Bro