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

By Wendy Bedwell-Wilson

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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.

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.