How To Build a Simple Chick Brooder Box

There are various ideas for making your own brooder box to house your baby chicks. I had an extra large tote that was big enough to hold a six foot Christmas tree. It is 21 inches wide by 42 inches long.

You need to cut a hole in the lid and attach hardware cloth or small holed cage (1 X 1 inch) wire over it to allow for ventilation and light. I use the cage wire because it is a heavier gauge wire; and I can hang a feeder from it. The easiest way to do this is using a drill with a half inch drill bit and a jig saw.

First, using a ruler, draw the outline of the opening you want. Permanent marker works best for marking this. See photo:

(Use safety equipment - hearing and eye protection!)

Second, with the lid attached to its box, drill holes in the four corners of your rectangle, staying inside the marked area. These holes give you the starting point for the jigsaw blade and cutting around the corners. (I made my opening 9 inches by 15 inches.)

Third, using a blade that will cut plastic, lower the blade into one of the drilled holes and start cutting along the line you made. When you get to the next drilled hole, you will be able to make the turn easily. Before cutting the third and fourth sides, you will need to be very careful - hold the opposite cut edge to keep it from bouncing around as you cut the next two sides.

Fourth, once you have the hole cut out, the lid's edge maybe rough. You can use a file to smooth the rough edges.

Lastly, you can attach the cage wire, which has been cut at least an inch bigger all the way around than your hole, to the lid. (The wire cut edges will be sharp. They will need to be filed flat.) I drilled small holes an inch from the edge. At first, I used small bolts and nuts to attach the cage wire, but was afraid a nut would come loose and fall into the brooder box. This could be dangerous if a chick swallowed it. I realized heavy duty wire ties were the best choice. See the photo example:

When it comes to using a heat light above the hole. It is best to have it hang above the opening for safety. (The heat lights get very hot and you don't want to melt the plastic and have a fire.) Now you are ready to get chick supplies and your baby chicks. 

Your chicken fever has begun. Enjoy your babies!