How to Make a Bird Brooder

If you plan to raise chicks, you must provide a safe environment that allows the birds to develop and grow. A bird brooder is a necessity for healthy chicks because it provides heat, shelter and protection. While commercial brooders are available, it is easy and far cheaper to make your own. Using everyday household materials, you can build a brooder that meets the baby chicks' needs for warmth and safety.

Things You'll Need

  • Clear, 90-quart plastic container
  • Dish soap and water
  • X-Acto knife
  • Chicken wire
  • Heavy-duty stapler
  • Chick-safe bedding such as white wood shavings, straw or shredded newspaper
  • Paper towels
  • Heat lamp
  • Thermometer
  • Chick feeder, feed and supplements
  • Chick waterer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a clear, 90-quart plastic container. The container must be clear so you can see the chicks from any angle. Thoroughly clean the container with dish soap and rinse it well with water. Allow it to dry completely.

    • 2

      Measure two inches inward from all sides of the lid. Cut out the inside of the lid with an X-acto knife, using the two-inch measurements as guides.

    • 3

      Measure and cut chicken wire to match the size of the entire lid. Use a heavy-duty stapler to attach the wire to the edge of the lid. This is the top for the brooder. The wire allows plenty of ventilation for the chicks.

    • 4

      Add a safe floor surface to the brooder by covering the bottom of the container with a layer of chick-safe bedding, such as white wood shavings, straw or shredded newspaper. Add an additional layer of shredded paper towels. You can remove the shredded paper towels after the first week but continue to use bedding made especially for chicks. Always replace soiled bedding and paper towels with fresh materials.

    • 5

      Put a waterer and feeder specially designed for chicks into the brooder. Add food and water. Allow enough space for multiple chicks to drink and eat at the same time. Initially, you may have to sprinkle food on the floor of the brooder to help the chicks find it. Add supplements to the chick feed to help ensure health and proper growth.

    • 6

      Set up a heat lamp for the chicks. The lamp can be attached to the side of the brooder or suspended above the living space. Test the lamp before moving chicks into the brooder. Use the thermometer to make sure the temperature is 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit under the lamp. The brooder should be large enough so that every chick can be both warmed by the heat lamp and able to move into cooler areas to avoid overheating.

    • 7

      After you place the chicks in the brooder, observe their behavior to ensure the heat lamp and overall temperature of the brooder is safe. Adjust the temperature as needed, according to how the chicks behave. The chicks are probably too cold if they constantly and loudly peep. If the chicks huddle together in one spot, there is probably a draft in the brooder. If they avoid the heat lamp and stay as far away as possible, they are too hot.