25 DIY Chick Brooder Ideas
Raising chicks requires a warm, safe, and well-ventilated space where they can thrive. That’s where a chick brooder comes in.
While commercial brooders can be expensive, DIY options allow you to create a custom brooder that fits your space, budget, and flock size.
From repurposed furniture to simple wooden boxes, these ideas ensure your chicks stay warm, comfortable, and protected as they grow.
DIY Chick Brooder Ideas
1. Kiddie Pool Brooder
A simple yet effective DIY chick brooder made from a plastic kiddie pool.
The setup includes wood shavings for bedding, a heat lamp for warmth, and mesh netting to prevent chicks from escaping. Water and feeder dishes are placed inside for easy access.
This setup is spacious and cost-effective, but it requires a stable surface and regular cleaning to maintain hygiene. Ideal for small-scale chick raising.
2. Wooden Bridge Play Area
This brooder setup features a small wooden bridge as an interactive element for chicks.
It allows them to explore and develop their leg muscles while making their environment more engaging. The brooder floor is covered in soft bedding, ensuring comfort.
This idea is perfect for those who want to enrich their chicks’ space with natural play structures while keeping them entertained and active.
3. Wire Cage Brooder
This brooder is made using a wire cage with a solid base lined with bedding. It allows for proper ventilation and visibility while keeping the chicks secure.
A water dispenser and feeder are easily accessible, and a heat lamp provides necessary warmth.
This type of brooder is great for those looking for a semi-permanent chick enclosure that keeps predators out while maintaining an open and airy environment.
4. Storage Bin Brooder
A plastic storage bin is repurposed into a chick brooder with a wire mesh top for ventilation.
This compact design is ideal for keeping chicks indoors, providing easy access for feeding and monitoring.
The setup includes a heat lamp and water dispenser, making it a practical and budget-friendly option for small-scale chick rearing.
The closed design helps retain warmth and prevent drafts.
5. Wooden Hutch Brooder
This brooder is built from a wooden hutch lined with hardware cloth for ventilation and security. It features individual sections for chicks, each equipped with a heat source.
The sturdy structure makes it ideal for long-term use, especially for those raising multiple batches of chicks.
The front feeding trough adds convenience, making this setup efficient for keeping chicks contained and well-fed.
6. Galvanized Tub Brooder
A large metal stock tank is converted into a chick brooder, with a heat lamp suspended overhead for warmth.
The deep walls help retain heat while preventing chicks from escaping.
This setup is durable and easy to clean, making it a great option for raising chicks in a barn or garage.
With enough space for multiple chicks, it ensures they stay comfortable while growing.
7. Secure Lid Brooder
A stock tank brooder with a custom-built wire mesh lid ensures extra security while allowing proper ventilation.
The mesh cover prevents chicks from jumping out while keeping predators at bay. Inside, there’s ample space for food, water, and bedding.
This setup is ideal for those who want a sturdy and escape-proof brooder that can be placed indoors or in a sheltered outdoor area.
8. Lattice Fence Brooder
A circular brooder made from a plastic tub and reinforced with a lattice fence for added height. A heat lamp is placed overhead, and bedding lines the floor for insulation.
The lattice prevents chicks from hopping out while still allowing air circulation. This DIY brooder is perfect for small-scale chick raising in a controlled indoor space.
9. Crib Brooder
An old baby crib is repurposed into a chick brooder with cardboard lining for insulation.
A heat lamp is installed for warmth, and wood shavings provide soft bedding. The spacious design allows chicks to roam freely while keeping them safe.
This brooder is great for those looking for a cost-effective, upcycled option that makes use of an unused crib.
10. Deep Tote Brooder
A large plastic tote is transformed into a chick brooder with a secure wire mesh lid.
A heat lamp is clipped onto the side, and straw bedding ensures warmth and comfort.
The compact design makes it easy to place indoors while keeping the chicks contained. This DIY option is ideal for small-scale chick raising in a controlled environment.
11. Wood Crate Brooder
This large wooden crate is converted into a chick brooder with wire mesh windows for ventilation and a heat lamp inside for warmth.
The solid wood walls help retain heat while keeping the chicks safe from drafts and predators.
A secure door allows easy access for feeding and cleaning. This setup is ideal for larger flocks and works well in barns or sheltered outdoor spaces.
12. Rolling Box Brooder
This mobile chick brooder is built from plywood and mounted on wheels for easy movement.
The top is covered with chicken wire to allow airflow while preventing chicks from escaping.
A heat lamp is attached for warmth, and the wooden structure provides insulation.
This setup is perfect for those needing flexibility, as it can be moved around to different locations while keeping chicks secure.
13. Heated Plate Brooder
Instead of a traditional heat lamp, this brooder features a DIY heated plate made from an insulated container with Christmas lights inside.
The chicks can go under it to stay warm, mimicking a mother hen. This method reduces fire risk and provides more natural warmth for the chicks.
It’s a great option for those looking for an energy-efficient alternative to heat lamps.
14. Cardboard Box Brooder
A large, sturdy cardboard box is used as an inexpensive chick brooder.
The setup includes wood shavings for bedding, a heat lamp for warmth, and feeders for food and water.
While simple, this brooder is best for short-term use as it can wear out with moisture and cleaning.
It’s a great solution for temporary indoor setups before moving chicks to a more permanent space.
15. Clear Tote Brooder
A large plastic storage tote with a wire mesh lid makes a great compact brooder.
The transparent sides allow for easy chick monitoring, while the lid prevents escape and keeps predators out.
A heat lamp or brooder plate provides warmth, and bedding ensures comfort.
This brooder is perfect for those who want a controlled indoor setup that is easy to clean and maintain.
16. Enriched Pool Brooder
A kiddie pool brooder with added enrichment elements like perches, grass clumps, and natural bedding.
A heat lamp provides warmth, and a wire mesh cover prevents escape. The spacious design allows chicks to move freely while exploring different textures.
This setup is ideal for encouraging natural behaviors and providing a more interactive brooder environment.
17. Cabinet Brooder
An old wooden cabinet is repurposed into a stylish indoor chick brooder.
The front is modified with hardware cloth doors for ventilation, and a pull-out tray makes cleaning easy.
Heat lamps or brooder plates provide warmth, making it a safe and controlled space for young chicks.
This setup is perfect for those wanting a functional yet decorative brooder inside their home.
18. Framed Wire Brooder
This wooden-framed brooder is built with chicken wire sides for ventilation and a plywood door for easy access.
The spacious design allows chicks to move freely, while the elevated base keeps them off the ground, preventing drafts.
The deep bedding area ensures warmth and comfort. This setup is great for outdoor or porch use, providing security while keeping chicks in a well-ventilated environment.
19. Multi-Level Brooder
This large wooden brooder features multiple levels inside to accommodate larger batches of chicks.
It has heat lamps for warmth, mesh windows for ventilation, and sturdy wooden walls for insulation. A front-access panel makes feeding and cleaning easy.
This setup is ideal for farms or those raising large numbers of chicks, as it maximizes space while keeping chicks secure.
20. Wooden Box Brooder
A plywood brooder box with chicken wire sides and a hinged lid for easy access.
The heat lamp provides necessary warmth, and feeders are placed inside for convenience.
The compact but sturdy design makes it perfect for small outdoor setups.
This brooder is great for those looking for a durable, predator-proof option that can be placed in a barn, garage, or outdoor area.
21. Wire Cover Brooder
This wooden brooder box features a chicken wire cover for ventilation and a heat lamp inside for warmth.
The solid plywood walls provide insulation, and the secure top prevents chicks from escaping. A simple wooden bar reinforces the wire for stability.
This setup is ideal for keeping chicks warm and secure in a barn or garage while allowing easy access for feeding and cleaning.
22. Indoor Brooder Box
This large wooden brooder is built for indoor use, featuring hardware cloth sides for ventilation and a sturdy wood frame.
The feeders and waterers are mounted inside, keeping the space organized. A small fan is installed for airflow, making it a well-ventilated and predator-proof setup.
Perfect for those raising chicks inside their home while ensuring their safety from pets and children.
23. Greenhouse-Style Brooder
This wooden brooder is designed like a mini greenhouse, with a hinged wire lid for ventilation.
The angled top allows sunlight to warm the chicks, while the solid plywood base retains heat.
This setup is great for outdoor chick raising, giving them plenty of space while keeping them protected from predators.
The flip-top lid provides easy access for feeding and maintenance.
24. Tiered Brooder
This multi-level chick brooder is designed for raising large numbers of chicks in a compact space.
It features multiple mesh-covered sections, each with heat lamps for warmth and feeders inside.
The stacked design maximizes space efficiency while keeping the chicks separated yet warm and secure.
This setup is ideal for larger poultry operations or farms needing an organized brooder system.
25. Hinged Lid Brooder
This wooden brooder box features a hinged lid with a built-in mesh window for ventilation.
A wire-mesh front panel allows easy viewing of the chicks, while the spacious design ensures ample room for food, water, and bedding.
The elevated frame improves airflow, making it an ideal setup for indoor or semi-outdoor chick raising.
