12 Chicken Brooder Box ideas

Raising baby chicks can be simple and fun with the right brooder setup, and these 12 creative brooder box ideas offer options for every space, budget, and skill level. For beginners, plastic storage totes and cardboard boxes are affordable and easy to modify with basic tools. Upcycled solutions like an old dresser drawer, dog crate, or rabbit hutch provide structure and charm with minimal effort. If you enjoy building, a plywood brooder box allows for full customization, ideal for larger flocks. Want something unique? Try a kiddie pool brooder for spacious comfort or a clear acrylic panel brooder for visibility and education—perfect for kids or classrooms. Repurposing an appliance box or converting an old bookshelf adds practicality and sustainability to your chick-raising efforts.

For parents, an unused playpen or Pack ‘n Play can easily become a soft, cozy brooder with proper lining and heat. If mobility is key, a wheeled brooder lets you move your chicks with ease between sun and shade, indoors or out. Each brooder idea requires a few essentials—bedding, a heat source, ventilation, a thermometer, and feeders—but the materials and structure vary widely to suit different needs. Whether you’re raising chicks in a garage, basement, backyard, or classroom, these ideas balance function with creativity. From budget builds to clever repurposing projects, there’s a brooder box here for every chick enthusiast. Just pick the design that fits your flock size, location, and DIY spirit, and watch your chicks grow in a safe, cozy home.

1. Plastic Storage Tote Brooder

A large plastic storage tote makes an excellent beginner-friendly chick brooder. It’s affordable, easy to clean, and available in various sizes. Clear sides allow visibility, and you can easily cut ventilation holes and secure a mesh top for safety. Add a heat lamp or brooder plate, bedding, and a thermometer to complete the setup. It’s lightweight and ideal for indoor spaces, making it perfect for small flocks or temporary use. A practical and simple brooder solution for first-time chicken keepers!

Supplies

• Large clear plastic tote (20–50 gallons)
• Heat lamp or brooder plate
• Hardware cloth or mesh lid
• Bedding (pine shavings or paper)
• Thermometer
• Feeder and waterer
• Scissors or utility knife (for cutting ventilation holes)
• Zip ties or clips (to secure mesh)

2. Cardboard Box Brooder

Cardboard boxes are quick, budget-friendly brooder solutions—especially for short-term use. They’re easy to find, cut, and customize, offering plenty of space for chicks to move around. Line the bottom with absorbent bedding and reinforce the sides for stability. Always monitor for moisture, and avoid placing heat sources too close to the cardboard to prevent fire risk. Ideal for first-week chicks or temporary setups before transferring to a more permanent brooder. Cheap, accessible, and perfect in a pinch!

Supplies

• Large cardboard box (appliance or moving box)
• Heat lamp with clamp or brooder plate
• Bedding (absorbent and moisture-resistant)
• Mesh or screen for the top
• Scissors or box cutter
• Aluminum foil or plastic liner (optional moisture barrier)
• Thermometer
• Chick feeder and waterer

3. Old Dresser Drawer Brooder

Turn old dresser drawers into rustic and functional chick brooders! These sturdy wooden boxes offer structure, insulation, and charm. Lay them flat, line them with bedding, and add ventilation holes. A mesh or plexiglass lid makes them secure and chick-friendly. Great for upcycling and small-scale brooders, dresser drawers are perfect for creative, sustainable homesteaders. With minimal tools and effort, you can give new life to old furniture—and provide a cozy home for your baby chicks!

Supplies

• One or more dresser drawers
• Hardware cloth or plexiglass lid
• Hinges (if adding a lid)
• Screws, nails, or wood glue
• Bedding
• Heat source
• Drill and screwdriver
• Thermometer
• Feeder and waterer

4. Plywood Brooder Box

A plywood brooder box is ideal for those who want a long-term, sturdy brooder for larger batches of chicks. Custom-build it to your desired dimensions with a hinged lid, hardware cloth windows for airflow, and a removable floor liner for easy cleaning. Add a brooder lamp, feeder, and waterer, and your chicks will thrive in a safe, spacious environment. Great for garages or barns, it’s a perfect choice for serious backyard chicken keepers who love to DIY.

Supplies

• Plywood sheets (1/2” thickness recommended)
• Wood screws or nails
• Hinges and handle for the lid
• Hardware cloth (for ventilation)
• Power drill, saw, screwdriver
• Bedding
• Brooder lamp or heat plate
• Feeder and waterer
• Thermometer
• Floor liner (plastic tray or vinyl sheet)

5. Dog Crate or Pet Kennel Brooder

Repurpose a dog crate or pet kennel into a chick brooder with just a few easy modifications. Line the bottom with a waterproof tray and bedding, cover large gaps with hardware cloth if needed, and add a heat lamp above. These crates offer great airflow and easy access for cleaning and feeding. Perfect for small flocks, they’re portable and ideal for indoor or sheltered outdoor spaces. A functional and low-effort way to give chicks a safe, enclosed environment.

Supplies

• Medium or large dog crate
• Bedding
• Heat lamp with clamp or brooder plate
• Hardware cloth (to cover large holes, if needed)
• Zip ties or wire (to secure mesh)
• Waterproof liner or tray
• Chick feeder and waterer
• Thermometer

6. Kiddie Pool Brooder

A kiddie pool makes a fun, spacious brooder perfect for a group of growing chicks. Simply line it with bedding, add a heat source, and create a secure mesh or wire top to keep chicks in and predators out. Its wide shape encourages movement and exploration, and the plastic surface is easy to wipe clean. Suitable for basements or protected outdoor areas, it’s an excellent temporary brooder that’s easy to repurpose or store when not in use.

Supplies

• Plastic kiddie pool
• Hardware cloth or wire cover
• Zip ties or clips
• Bedding
• Heat source (lamp or plate)
• Thermometer
• Feeder and waterer
• Pool liner or tarp (optional for easier cleanup)

7. Bookshelf Conversion Brooder

Give old bookshelves new purpose by transforming them into chick brooders! Lay the unit on its back, remove shelves, and line it with bedding. Add a secure lid and ventilation to keep chicks safe and comfortable. You can even use the shelf spaces to create multiple zones or levels for larger flocks. This creative, space-saving idea is perfect for garages, basements, or homesteads that value upcycled design. Turn clutter into a cozy and functional brooder with a little DIY effort!

Supplies

• Old bookshelf
• Screwdriver/drill
• Hinges and hardware (for lid)
• Hardware cloth or plexiglass
• Bedding
• Heat source
• Thermometer
• Chick feeder and waterer
• Saw (if removing dividers)

8. Large Appliance Box Brooder

Large appliance boxes, like those from fridges or washers, offer a spacious and cost-free brooder option. Their thick cardboard provides insulation, and the size is great for growing flocks. Cut ventilation windows and secure a mesh lid for safety. It’s lightweight, customizable, and easily disposable when chicks graduate to the coop. Just monitor moisture and fire risks carefully. A fantastic repurposing solution for new chick owners looking for temporary housing with plenty of room for peeping, playing, and resting.

Supplies

• Refrigerator or washing machine box
• Box cutter or utility knife
• Mesh or hardware cloth lid
• Tape or hot glue gun (to reinforce edges)
• Bedding
• Heat lamp or plate
• Feeder and waterer
• Thermometer
• Moisture barrier (plastic sheet or tarp)

9. Clear Acrylic Panel Brooder

Create a high-visibility brooder with clear acrylic panels for an engaging chick-watching experience. Perfect for classrooms, kids, or educational displays, this brooder lets you observe chick behavior while keeping them safe. Build a wooden or PVC frame and fit in clear panels, secure the top with mesh, and install a heat lamp or brooder plate. It’s modern, functional, and ideal for indoor use. A great way to combine learning, transparency, and chick care in one beautiful setup!

Supplies

• Acrylic or plexiglass sheets
• Wooden or PVC frame materials
• Screws or PVC connectors
• Drill or saw
• Mesh for lid
• Bedding
• Brooder heat source
• Thermometer
• Chick feeder and waterer

10. Old Playpen or Pack ‘n Play Brooder

Transform an old baby playpen or Pack ’n Play into a spacious, soft-sided chick brooder. Line it with a tarp and absorbent bedding, and add a secure mesh cover. These setups offer ample room and soft walls for safety, especially for indoor brooding. Just ensure the chicks can’t squeeze through any gaps and place a heat source above. It’s an ingenious, low-cost option for repurposing baby gear while giving your chicks a cozy, contained environment to grow in.

Supplies

• Playpen or Pack ‘n Play
• Tarp or liner for base
• Bedding
• Heat source (suspended lamp or plate)
• Mesh or cloth cover
• Thermometer
• Feeder and waterer
• Zip ties or clips

11. Rabbit Hutch or Guinea Pig Cage Brooder

Give small animal cages a second life by converting them into chick brooders! Many rabbit hutches and guinea pig cages already have solid floors and secure walls—perfect for housing chicks with some minor adjustments. Add a heat lamp, fresh bedding, and chick-sized feeders. Make sure any wire mesh is safe for tiny feet. These cages are especially useful for outdoor brooding in sheds or garages. A convenient, animal-friendly option that’s ideal for reusing what you already have.

Supplies

• Small animal cage or hutch
• Heat lamp or brooder plate
• Bedding
• Hardware cloth (if needed to reinforce gaps)
• Waterproof liner or tray
• Thermometer
• Chick feeder and waterer

12. Mobile Brooder on Wheels

Build a mobile chick brooder on wheels for ultimate convenience. Use wood or a repurposed cabinet with casters and locking wheels. Add a secure top, proper ventilation, and a heating source. This setup makes cleaning, moving, and accessing chicks easier, especially in multi-use spaces. You can even roll it outdoors on sunny days for fresh air. Perfect for urban homesteaders or anyone wanting flexibility and ease of use. A movable brooder brings both comfort and control to your chick-raising journey.

Supplies

• Wood panels or repurposed cabinet
• Caster wheels with locks
• Hinges, latches, and handles
• Mesh or clear panel for viewing
• Screws, nails, or brackets
• Tools: drill, saw, screwdriver
• Heat source
• Bedding
• Thermometer
• Chick feeder and waterer
• Optional: shelf or storage area underneath