If they are not mites/lice,look at bed bugs as your description fits them also(reddish-brown color,oval/flat,approx 1/4" or smaller,lack wings so they crawl) as they too love warmth/moisture/warm blooded animals and anyone or anything could have brought them into...
Have you actually seen any bugs on your chicks? While they could be mites/lice,what i would suggest is to remove and disinfect brooder along with all feed/water dishes,then place chicks back in and see if bugs reappear.
Check your feed make sure no bugs are in feed/feed bag.