How To ... Build a SIMPLE BROODER

Here’s everything you need to build your own brooder.

Expanding Brooder

When your chickens are tiny peeps, they don’t need much space, but as they grow, their need for room will grow too. If you plan to raise peeps regularly, it’s helpful to have a brooder that expands so that you can accommodate them. Here is a super-simple design that’s easy to build and easy to clean. Before introducing your chicks, remember to line the box with bedding, install a heat lamp, and provide a feeder and watering station to make them feel right at home.

When you understand the basics of how to brood your chicks, you’re ready to take on a brooder build of your own. While there are many plans available online, here’s a simple setup for a popular type of brooder you can put together yourself.

Brooders help you raise chicks without the help

of a hen.

How to Build an Expanding Brooder

STEP 1: create the pieces

Use your tape measure and pencil to measure and mark on the plywood two pieces that are 24 inches by 36 inches for the top and bottom, two pieces that are 18 inches by 36 inches for the front and back, two pieces that are 18 inches by 24 inches for the sides, and two pieces that are 18 inches by 20 inches for the dividers. Cut the pieces of plywood using your saw. Next, measure, mark, and cut four pieces of 2x4 that are 36 inches long, four pieces that are 11 inches long, and two pieces that are 20 1⁄4 inches long.

Provide multiple feeding and watering stations.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Two sheets of 3⁄8-inch constructiongrade plywood, 48 inches by 96 inches

Two 120-inch lengths of 2x4 pine

One 144-inch length of 1x2 pine Approximately 150 1⁄4-inch galvanized deck screws

One 3⁄4-inch spade or paddle bit

Tape measure Pencil

Circular saw or handsaw

Electric screwdriver

OPTIONAL

Two 4-inch hinges One hook-andeye safety latch