Welcome to Chick Quicks, a series that chronicles the lessons I've learned as a chicken keeper — all in 5 minutes or less! Topics are mostly geared towards novices and smaller flocks, with links included for additional reading.
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It’s 6PM, and you’re about to sit down for dinner when the phone rings.
“Hello?” you answer.
“Hey,” a voice peeps over the line. “It’s the baby chicks you ordered 5 months ago while taking a break from wrapping Christmas presents. Listen, we’re at the airport. The tracker says we’ll be there tomorrow. You’ve got a brooder ready, right? And it's one of the many cool builds found in BYC's Incubators & Brooders section?"
“Y-yes,” you stammer, knowing that you’ve lost track of time and have no chance of building anything.
“You better. Jimmy here is itchin' to get out of this shipping box.”
“Jimmy?” you ask. “Who’s Jimmy? I ordered females.”
The line goes dead.
Worried this could happen to you? Don't be. Whether you need a brooder in a pinch or would rather not tango with 2x4s and Torx heads, I’ve got you covered with three options that are:
- readily available with minimal setup
- hard-sided to contain the inevitable chick dust
- pleasing to even the pickiest chicks (Jimmy included)
1. The MVP: 50+ Gallon Black and Yellow Tote
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Left to right: Tote with original lid, tote with modified lid, smaller "transfer" tote with wire shelving lid
Short on time and cash? This heavy-duty storage tote can be found at most big box hardware stores. The listed capacity may vary, so find one that measures at least 20-inches wide x 40-inches long. This will comfortably hold a 10x10 heat plate with room for food, water, and a small perch. I do not recommend going any smaller, even for young chicks.
As for the lid, you can modify the one that comes with it. Strong snips or an electric tool will be needed to cut an opening in the plastic, which can then be secured and ventilated with lightweight plastic netting (found in most garden sections). Alternatively, grab some cheap clamps along with your plastic netting, then clamp the netting directly onto the rim of the tote. Chicks WILL start testing their flight skills at around 1 week-old, so make sure they can’t entangle themselves in the netted top. Personally, I prefer to use a wire shelf as a lid. It's easy to take on and off, plus I already have several lying around.
| Tote Pros: | Tote Cons: |
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2. The Investment: Stock Tanks
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Left to right: 2x6 stock tank with wire shelving lids, front lid open for playtime, a spacious interior for toys
Have strong arms and a healthy budget? Stock tanks are my go-to for housing chicks until they’re ready to move outside. The size is the biggest selling point, allowing for more enrichment, more play space, and more residents! I've used both 2x6-foot and 3x8-foot stock tanks. The latter is MASSIVE and also serves as an emergency shelter for up to four chickens. That said, this isn’t something that’s going to slot neatly into your home. My stock tanks are in the basement. A mudroom, garage, or barn would work just as well.
Once again, I'm using wire shelving to cover the top, with two pieces overlapping front to back. You can see I have pipe insulation lining the rim of the stock tanks; this is to minimize clanking from taking the shelves on and off.
You'll find stock tanks at hardware stores or your local farm store (ex. Tractor Supply). If you don't have a pickup truck for transport, these stores will often deliver to your home for a fee. Rather conserve your wallet? See if you can find one second-hand on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp.
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3. The Newcomer: Acrylic Hamster Enclosure
In full transparency, I have not used this as a brooder yet, though I intend to for my next chicks. The overall size is comparable to the storage tote, being somewhere in the 20x40-inch range, but the real perk is the clear, acrylic sides. You’ll get a 360° view of your little nuggets, and that increased visibility can help them become accustomed to you, faster. Some models also have a side access door for gentler interactions that don't involve reaching overhead. All of this could amount to friendlier birds, and who doesn't want chicken buddies?
Now for the drawback: ventilation. Chicks poop A LOT more than hamsters (creating ammonia and moisture), plus you'll have multiple chicks in there at once. A lid with a few slits isn't going to cut it. So, depending on the model, you'll need to increase the airflow through the top with hardware cloth or another clever solution.
Amazon is your destination for acrylic hamster enclosures. I'll be experimenting with either the Bucatstate or Niteangel brands. Both are highly regarded in the hamster community, and they size up to a generous 24-inch x 48-inch footprint.
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Looking for more build-free brooders? Check out:
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Thanks for reading! If you have questions or comments, leave them below. I'm always happy to chat. Up next is Episode 3: SOS! "My crumble's too big!".
Missed an episode? Head over to Chick Quicks Headquarters!
