Introduction
So you’ve selected your chicken breeds, made your orders, and are preparing to welcome your new chicks to your homestead for the first time? Now it’s time to talk about chick brooders. Here are questions that I see first-time chicken owners asking about brooders:
“What is a chick brooder?”
Where do you keep a chick brooder?
What is the best chick brooders for chickens?
“How do I build a DIY brooder?”
“How old can chickens leave the brooder?”
And many more questions about chick brooders.
I am here to help you understand the need for a brooder, how to find a brooder, how to make a homemade chick brooder, how long chicks need to stay in a brooder, and how to care for chicks while they are in the brooder.
Why Do Chicks Need A Brooder?
In nature, a mother hen would raise and take care of her chicks. She would make sure they are warm, clean, and safe. This is ideal, but if you are new to chickens, you probably don’t have a mother hen to raise them. Chick brooders are the next best thing.
Since chicks can’t regulate their body heat efficiently, they will need a warm and safe brooder to reside until they can. This brooder will include a heat lamp or a heat plate (my preference).
As chicks, they also cannot protect themselves from predators, or even territorial hens or roosters that may not be a fan of the new chicks on the block. So a brooder will help keep them protected by keeping predators out and keeping the chicks contained in a safe place.
While in the brooder stage, chicks will also need to be cleaned on their bums. Many times, they might get something called “pasty butt,” which is exactly how it sounds. Normally, the mother hen would clean them off, but since you are the mother hen, that is your job! Have fun!
Pre-Made Chick Brooders
There are many pre-made chick brooders out there that are already made and ready to go. There are advantages to these (such as they require little setup and/or they provide all the tools and materials), so they may work for you. If you plan on only having 2-5 chicks, many of these will be a perfect setup for you. If you plan on having more, I recommend taking a look at the DIY part of this post.
Here are a few options that are available online.
Why a DIY Brooder?
As homesteaders, we are learning to use materials that we already have, and how to be a little bit closer to self-sustaining. Building or making your own chick brooder is easier on the wallet, and it gives you a chance to tailor the space to your specific preferences and needs, such as having a flock of more than 5 chicks. The availability of online plans or ideas makes the process even more accessible, guiding you to create a brooder that perfectly aligns with you and your flock.
Moreover, if you decide to build your own, crafting something from scratch provides an opportunity to learn new skills – a delightful bonus for anyone seeking a bit of personal growth.
However, if hammers and nails aren’t your cup of kombucha, I will share plenty of DIY brooders that don’t require carpentry skills.
Where To Put Your Brooder
Selecting the right location for your DIY brooder involves a careful dance between ventilation and protection from drafts. Optimal air circulation is essential, but avoid placing the brooder in a drafty area as it can make the chicks too cold. Make sure you place the brooder near an electrical outlet so that you can add a heat lamp or heat plate. Just as important as avoiding drafts, position the brooder away from vents that blow hot air directly onto it, and if outdoors during colder seasons, consider adding insulation, like a cardboard box, for an extra layer of protection.
In the past, I preferred for my brooder to be in our garage. There are several reasons for this. There is plenty of ventilation, but no drafts. I don’t have to worry about predators, and if for some reason, the chicks escape the brooder (which has happened!), they can only go so far. Keep in mind that wherever you decide to put your brooder, there will be lots of dust! Keeping it in the garage means I don’t have to worry so much about cleanliness. I can always clean up the dust once they move out.
What Size Should a Brooder Be?
Determining the size of your DIY brooder is more than just a numbers game; it’s about creating a space that fosters healthy growth. More chicks mean a larger space is necessary to prevent stress and potential harm. A bit of extra room not only ensures their physical well-being but also allows for a smoother maturation process. This foresight becomes particularly crucial if, unfortunately, a chick passes away or gets injured during the growth process – the extra space provides room for others without overcrowding.
The size really depends on how long you want them to be in the brooder. You should plan on keeping them in the brooder for at least 6 weeks. The temperature outside should be at least 65 degrees before they move outside to a regular coop. I recommend at least 1-2 square feet per chick. The walls should be at least 2 feet tall and you should have a “lid” of some sort. The chicks get big really quickly and have the uncanny ability to jump out from a young age.
How to Build a Chick Brooder
Building chick brooders can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like.
To build a simple brooder, all you need is 2-3 pieces of untreated plywood (depending on the size you need), an 8-foot 2×2 board, a tarp, some screws, and maybe some chicken wire and staples to give them some air at the top. If you keep them in a safe place, like a garage, or inside a safe chicken coop, you don’t even need latches or hinges for a door. You can simply lay a piece of plywood across the top and call it a day.
Let’s just say you wanted to build a 4×8 brooder — that would be enough space for 16-32 chicks, depending on how old they will be while in the brooder. Putting the brooder together would be simple.
- Lay a large piece of tarp down for the floor (you will cover this later with pine shavings).
- Cut 3 pieces of plywood in half longways, so that you end up with 6 2’x8′ pieces.
- Cut one of those 2’x8′ pieces in half, so that you end up with 2 2’x4′ pieces.
- Cut your 2″x2″ or 2″x4″ board (we’ll call it 2″x2″ for simplicity’s sake) into 4 2′ pieces.
- Align the 2″x2″ along the 2′ edge of one of the 2’x8′ pieces of plywood and screw into place.
- Stand that 2’x8′ on the ground, and place a 2’x4′ piece of plywood along the edge of the 2″x2″ board and 2’x8′ piece of plywood, forming a right angle, and screw into place.
- Do the same with each corner until you have a 4’x8′ rectangle.
- Cut your chicken wire to a little bigger than 2’x8′, and staple over the top of the brooder walls on one long half.
- Cover the other open side with a piece of 2’x8′ plywood as the lid. Simply remove the plywood when you need to open the brooder. You may fasten it with a hinge and latch if you prefer.
DIY Chick Brooders That Do Not Require Building
Cardboard Box Brooder
If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly option, a cardboard box can be a surprisingly effective material for a brooder. Choose a sturdy, size-appropriate box and line the bottom with a layer of absorbent bedding. Ensure the box is well-ventilated by cutting out windows on the sides or the top and covering with chicken wire. Keep in mind that cardboard may not be the most durable option, but it’s an excellent makeshift solution for short-term use for a few chicks. Additionally, cardboard allows for easy customization—ideal for those who enjoy a touch of DIY creativity.
Plastic Tote Brooder
For a sturdier and more long-lasting solution, a plastic tote makes an excellent brooder material. Select a tote with high sides and/or a lid to prevent curious chicks from making a daring escape. Drill or cut ventilation holes along the sides or top to ensure adequate airflow. Line the bottom with pine shavings. The transparency of the plastic also provides a convenient view of your adorable chicks as they grow. This option is both affordable and adaptable, allowing you to repurpose the tote for storage or other needs once your chicks have outgrown their cozy space.
Kiddie Pool Brooder
For a larger brooder with ample space for your growing chicks, consider repurposing a kiddie pool. Its size allows for a more natural environment, giving chicks room to spread their wings. Line the bottom with a layer of pine shavings. To maintain warmth and keep the chicks from jumping out, cover part of the pool with a secure top of some sort, leaving space for ventilation. A kiddie pool brooder is not only spacious but also facilitates easy cleaning, making it a practical and enjoyable choice for both chicks and their caretakers.
Water Trough or Stock Crate Brooder
Another wonderful option is a water trough or stock crate that can be repurposed into a spacious brooder. These large tubs offer durability and room for multiple chicks to explore. Provide a comfortable layer of pine shavings. Ventilation is crucial, so cover with mesh or chicken wire to prevent any unwanted visitors. The versatility of this type of brooder means they can transition to other uses on the farm once your chicks have graduated to their coop.
Dog Kennel or Crate Brooder
Repurposing a dog kennel or crate is an excellent choice for a brooder. The metal or plastic construction ensures durability, and the open design allows for optimal ventilation. Line the floor with pine shavings. Easily accessible doors make feeding, cleaning, and interacting with your chicks a breeze. Once your chicks are ready to transition outdoors, the kennel or crate can be repurposed for its original canine occupants or stored for future use.
Each of these inexpensive options offers a unique solution for crafting a brooder that suits your space, budget, and the needs of your growing chicks. Whether you opt for a cardboard box, plastic tote, kiddie pool, water trough, or dog kennel, the key is to prioritize safety, comfort, and proper ventilation for your feathered friends’ well-being.
What Do I Need To Have In Chick Brooders?
Once your brooder is set up or built, you will need to get the necessary supplies to keep your chicks alive while in it.
Pine shavings: Starting from the ground up, you will need pine shavings. I highly recommend buying the flakes, and not the fine shavings. I always use these shavings from Tractor Supply.
Chick waterer and feeder: It’s ideal to try to keep chick waterers and feeders up on some sort of platform, like a few bricks or a concrete block if they can have a way to get up there. This will cut down on flakes getting into the feed and water from their scratching. (Trust me, it will fill up quickly if you let it!)
Feed, water, and grit: To go along with the feeder and waterer, you will need a constant supply of chick feed and fresh water, along with a sprinkle of grit. The grit will help them digest their food.
Heat plate or heat lamp: Because chicks cannot regulate their temperature, they will need a heat source to keep them warm. I highly recommend the heat plate, as it is more similar to a mother hen, and the heat lamps are notorious for starting fires.
When Can Chicks Move Out Of The Brooder?
Chicks can move out of the brooder once they are six weeks old AND it is consistently 65 degrees. However, as long as they have unlimited access to a good heat source, they should be fine if it isn’t quite 65 degrees.
While they are in the brooder, if you haven’t yet, you need to start thinking about getting your chicken coop ready to go. Read this blog post to learn more about what you need in your chicken coop.
Also, if you need a way to keep track of these adorable little future egg-layers, take a look at this Chicken Keeper’s Journal.
Conclusion
Now that you’re armed with a comprehensive understanding of building a DIY brooder, it’s time to embark on this feathered adventure. Gather the materials, set aside some dedicated time, and don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect at first – learning through trial and error is all part of the fun.
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