One of the things I’ve enjoyed most on this homesteading journey is raising chickens. I’ve been caring for birds for nearly ten years now, and I’ll admit—at first, I wasn’t sure it would be for me. I worried I’d mess something up, that they wouldn’t be friendly, or worse, that I’d be afraid of them. But I quickly discovered just how much joy chickens can bring to a home. They’re curious, quirky, and endlessly entertaining—I truly love my flock.

When you're just starting out, having a clear idea of what to do and when can make all the difference. Recently, two of my sisters decided to jump into the chicken-keeping adventure, and as they reached out for advice, it hit me: I’ve never really shared my tips here. So, if you’re diving into chick season for the first time, this one’s for you.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build a Chick Brooder on a Budget

Raising chicks at home is an exciting adventure, but before those fluffy little peepers arrive, you’ll need a safe, warm space for them to grow. A brooder mimics the warmth and safety of a mother hen and can be made without breaking the bank. Here's a practical, low-cost guide to help you build your own chick brooder using items you may already have at home!

Here we have a simple brooder

Made from a storage tub, pine shavings, a heat lamp and food and water dishes.

🧰 What You’ll Need:

Large plastic storage bin or cardboard box - Container for the brooder

$0–$10

Heat lamp or clamp lamp with a red bulb - Keeps chicks warm

$10–$15

Thermometer - Monitors temperature

$3–$5

Pine shavings or paper towels - Bedding material

$5

Chicken wire or mesh (optional) - Lid for safety/ventilation

$0–$5

Waterer and feeder - Keeps chicks hydrated and fed

$5–$10

Chick starter feed - Essential nutrition

$5–$10

Here is a simple starter set with a heat lamp, feeders, and perches. Click Here!

Suppose you need a simple setup that includes a safe container. Check this one out here!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Choose a Container

You need something at least 12–18 inches tall with enough room for chicks to run around. Good options include:

A large plastic tote or storage bin (with smooth sides to prevent escapes).
An old playpen, kiddie pool, or drawer.
➡ Pro Tip: Line the bottom with newspaper first for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Add Bedding

Chicks need a soft, non-slippery surface:

Pine shavings are ideal (avoid cedar – it's toxic).
You can also use shredded paper, straw, or paper towels for the first few days.
➡ Budget Tip: Ask your local pet store for a small bag of pine shavings if you don’t need a whole bale.

Step 3: Set Up Heat Source

Newly hatched chicks need a temperature of about 95°F (35°C) for the first week, decreasing by 5°F each week.

Use a clamp lamp with a 250-watt red heat bulb (red helps reduce pecking).
Hang it safely above one side of the brooder so chicks can move closer or farther away.
➡ Safety First: Clamp lamps get hot — keep them secure and away from flammable materials.

Step 4: Add Thermometer

Place a thermometer at chick level to keep track of the temperature. Keep an eye on it daily, especially if your house is drafty.

➡ Chick Behavior Clue:

Huddling under the lamp = too cold
Spreading to the corners = too hot
Moving freely = just right!

Step 5: Add Waterer and Feeder

Place them on a shallow tray or small bricks to prevent tipping and bedding from getting inside.

➡ Budget Hack: Use mason jars with screw-on chick feeder/waterer bases — cheap and reusable.

Step 6: Cover It Up (Optional)

If your brooder is open, consider adding chicken wire or a mesh screen to prevent chicks from flying out (yes, they will try eventually) and to keep curious pets out.

➡ You can DIY a lid with a picture frame and mesh or cut an old screen window to size.

🌡️Brooder Temperature Guide:

Chick Age

Temp Needed

Week 1 -95°F (35°C)

Week 2 - 90°F (32°C)

Week 3 - 85°F (29°C)

Week 4 - 80°F (26°C)

Week 5 - 75°F (24°C)

Week 6 - Room temp (no heat)

🐣 Final Tips:

Keep the brooder dry and clean. Replace bedding as needed.
Watch for pasty butt — a common chick problem where droppings block their vent. Gently clean it with warm water.
Spend time observing your chicks! It helps you spot health issues early and helps them get used to people.

💰 Total Estimated Cost: $30–$50

With some creative repurposing, you might even spend less!

There you have it, a simple, easy brooder to set you up for success this chick season. If you're still feeling a bit nervous about the endeavor, don’t worry. There are tons of fantastic online chicken raising groups, and you can always ask me questions in the comments below. I am always happy to help!

Brooding on a Budget