Easy-Clean Chick Brooder: Diy Guide

Raising chicks can be a challenging but rewarding experience. One of the most important aspects of chick care is providing a safe, clean, and spacious brooder. A brooder is a temporary home for baby chicks, and it needs to be designed with the chicks' wellbeing in mind. In this guide, we will explore how to build an easy-to-clean brooder that will keep your chicks happy and healthy. From choosing the right materials to considering size and functionality, we will cover everything you need to know to create a comfortable space for your fluffy friends.

Use cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes are a great option for building a brooder for your chicks. They are inexpensive, easy to move, and can be recycled. You can use any kind of cardboard box, but it's important to ensure that the boxes are spacious enough for the chicks to have adequate elbow room. Aim for boxes that are as close to 24 inches square as possible and 15 to 18 inches deep. This size should provide enough space for six to eight birds.

To build your cardboard box brooder, start by gathering at least two boxes of the same size. Line the bottom of the boxes with puppy training pads to waterproof them. Cut out two identically sized windows in the boxes and duct-tape them together at the four edges of the windows to prevent litter from falling through the gap. This will also allow you to add onto the structure as your chicks grow.

When it comes to access points, cut off all the top flaps on the food end of the box to make it easier to reach the food and water. On the other side, where the heat lamp will be placed, trim off all but two 24-inch flaps to hold the lamp. You can create a bracket from the leftover flaps to secure the lamp. Make two angled cuts into the folded side of the flap to form a strip that can be taped along the seam and attached to the box.

To ensure the safety of your chicks, it's important to cover the brooder with hardware cloth or a similar material to keep predators out and prevent the chicks from escaping as they grow. Additionally, avoid using a heat lamp, especially with cardboard boxes, as they pose a fire hazard. Instead, consider using a Brinsea EcoGlow or a radiant heat plate for warmth.

Finally, when planning for easy cleaning, consider placing the brooder on legs or a rack to provide comfortable access for cleaning and replenishing bedding. You can drill holes in the box and attach bolts, washers, and nuts from the inside to create sturdy legs. Remember to use a thick layer of bedding and regularly churn it by tossing treats on top to encourage scratching and minimise the need for frequent cleaning.

Puppy playpens

There are a variety of puppy playpens available on the market, including metal, iron, plastic, and fabric options. Playpens can be purchased with a range of different features, such as doors, gates, and covers. For example, the IRIS USA 24" Dog Playpen is a customizable option with six panels and a door. If you are looking for a more heavy-duty option, the SMUG Heavy-Duty Iron Dog Playpen is a secure and spacious pen for your puppy. This particular playpen is made up of 16 panels, providing your puppy with ample space to play and relax.

When selecting a puppy playpen, it is important to consider the size and breed of your dog, as well as any specific needs they may have. For example, if you have a small breed of dog, a smaller playpen with eight panels might be more suitable, such as the PETIME Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen. This playpen is also a good option if you are looking for something portable, as it is lightweight and foldable.

In addition to the size and features of the playpen, it is also important to consider the safety and comfort of your puppy. Ensure that the playpen is sturdy and secure, with no gaps that your puppy could escape through or get stuck in. You may also want to add bedding, blankets, and toys to make the space more comfortable and engaging for your puppy.

Plastic tubs

You can purchase large plastic tubs or totes from stores like Walmart, Target, or Lowes. The tubs should be large enough to provide about 2 square feet of space per chick. For example, a plastic tote that is 18 inches wide, 36 inches long, and 18 inches deep can house two to three chicks.

To build a brooder, start by cutting a window in the lid of the plastic tub, leaving a frame of about 2 inches around the edge. You can use a box cutter for this. Next, drill holes around the edges of the cut-out window and secure wire over the top using zip ties. This will allow for ventilation and can also be used to hang a heat lamp or waterer.

To make cleaning easier, you can elevate the food and water dishes inside the brooder. Additionally, you can add a small piece of flooring, such as scrap wood, inside the brooder and cover it with several layers of newspaper and a rubber shelf liner to create a non-slip surface that can be easily cleaned.

Electric brooders

Size and Space

It is important to choose a brooder that is spacious enough for the number of chicks you plan to keep. Overcrowding can cause behavioural and health issues. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 2 square feet of space per chick. This allows for adequate elbow room and accounts for their rapid growth.

Sturdiness and Security

The brooder should have tall sides, ideally about 3 feet high, to prevent the chicks from flying out. If you have young children, ensure the brooder's latch or door is secure and cannot be easily opened. If your brooder will be exposed to predators, it should be sturdy and predator-proof. For indoor predators, sturdy walls and a secure lid made of chicken wire or hardware cloth can protect against cats. For outdoor use or in the presence of dogs with a high prey drive, consider using hardware cloth with wooden walls.

Ease of Cleaning

A brooder that is easy to clean will make your life much simpler. Look for designs with no tight corners, a wide door that provides full access, and a thick layer of substrate. A plastic tote brooder is a common and easy-to-clean option, and you can make your own by following online guides. For example, you can use two 50-gallon tubs from Walmart, cutting holes in the sides with a box cutter or an Exacto knife, and stabilising containers for water and grit with wire.

Temperature Control

Safety Precautions

It is important to prioritise the safety of your chicks. Avoid using a heat lamp, especially with cardboard boxes or canvas playpens, as they can pose a fire hazard. Instead, opt for electric brooders with built-in safety features, like the Brinsea EcoGlow, which is safer than traditional heat lamps. Additionally, consider using a poultry nipple drinker to prevent chicks from spilling water, reducing the risk of coccidiosis, a deadly disease for brooder chicks.

Vacuum systems

One of the most important aspects of a brooder is how easy it is to clean. A vacuum system can be a very effective way to keep your brooder clean with minimal effort.

A vacuum system can be incorporated into the design of a brooder to make cleaning a breeze. One way to do this is by installing a “trap door" in the middle of the brooder box floor. This trap door will reveal a hose connected to a vacuum system or dust collection system. When it's time to clean, simply herd the chicks into a separate brooder box and close the gate. Then, lift the trap door and turn on the vacuum to suck up any dirt and debris. This method is quick and efficient, and it keeps the brooder clean and hygienic for your chicks.

It is recommended to use a quiet vacuum cleaner, as loud noises can scare baby chicks. You can find reviews of vacuum cleaners that are designed for people with allergies and are either noiseless or make minimal noise. These types of vacuum cleaners can be a good option for use around chicks as they get accustomed to new sounds.

Additionally, consider using a shop vac for your brooder. While it can be loud, chickens can handle loud noises as long as they are not sudden and intense. By the time you start vacuuming in the room with the chicks, they will be used to the sound and won't even notice it.

With a well-designed vacuum system and some considerations for the type of vacuum used, you can keep your brooder clean and maintain a healthy environment for your chicks.

Frequently asked questions