What's a brooder? How do I set one up?

Yes. When the farmers started talking about "brooders" I had to google what it meant. It is just a small enclosed space to keep baby chicks until they are big enough to move into a coop. I used a plastic horse trough from a friend, but there are several different ideas out there. 

There are some key elements that every brooder needs. First is wood shavings (NOT SAWDUST). The chicks could eat the sawdust and get constipated or die and nobody wants that. The shavings are just big enough for them to not eat. Second, make sure you have a heat lamp. I read somewhere that the red heat lamps help keep chickens more calm, but I used a normal clear one that I picked up at the hardware store and it worked fine. Chicks need to stay very warm, check out this chart from Purina for details:

You should also be sure that your chicks, once adults, can withstand the temperatures where you live. For example, Plymouth Barred Rocks and ISA Browns are both pretty hardy birds and can withstand the cold temperatures in NH. 

When it comes to food, make sure it is a starter/grower and not the adult pellets. Be sure they have food and water at all times. Feeders come in all shapes and sizes as do waterers, but if you're in the middle of a pandemic and can't get either of those things from Amazon for another 2 weeks, then substitute with something at home. CAUTION: Make sure the water is shallow so that the chicks don't fall in and drown. If you have a normal pet waterer, put some medium sized rocks in the bottom to prevent the chickens from drowning. Be sure to check on them and the water regularly.

Lastly, if you have other pets, like cats or dogs, keep your cats away from/protect the chicks and slowly introduce the chicks to your dogs. If this is done regularly, your dogs will likely form a friendship with your chickens, making it much safer for them to free range.