DIY Chick Brooder - How to Convert a Polystyrene Box for Hatching Chicks
Polystyrene boxes are often associated with transporting food, but their insulating properties make them useful in many other applications, including as a cost-effective chick brooder. With a little modification, a simple poly box can become a warm, safe space for chicks to thrive in their early days.
Customer Feature: The Educational Egg
The Educational Egg is a volunteer organisation that brings the magic of life cycles into schools, nurseries, and retirement homes. They provide incubators, fertile eggs, and educational talks, allowing people of all ages to witness the wonder of a chick hatching from its shell.
For children, seeing an egg hatch can spark curiosity about nature, biology, and where food comes from. For adults, it’s often a heartwarming reminder of the delicate balance of life.
Converting a Poly Box into a Chick Brooder
Looking for a lightweight, affordable alternative to traditional brooders, The Educational Egg decided to trial a Hake polystyrene box from JB Packaging. By making simple modifications for ventilation, light, and access, they created a comfortable home for newly hatched chicks.
The results were impressive, the converted Hake box easily accommodated 12 chicks or 30 baby quails, maintaining a stable temperature thanks to the natural insulating properties of polystyrene.
Following the trial’s success, The Educational Egg now plans to replace all their brooders with similar converted Hake boxes.
Benefits of Using a Polystyrene Box as a Brooder
- Excellent insulation keeps chicks warm and reduces heat loss
- Lightweight and portable easy to move and reposition
- Affordable far cheaper than commercial brooders
- Spacious suitable for various small poultry species
FAQ – Chick Brooder Setup & Care
Q: What temperature should a chick brooder be?
A: The brooder should start at around 32–35°C (90–95°F) for newly hatched chicks, reducing by 2-3°C each week until fully feathered. (Source: British Hen Welfare Trust)
Q: How do I set up a chick brooder?
A: Provide a safe enclosure with a heat source, bedding (such as wood shavings), fresh water, and chick starter feed. Ensure ventilation without drafts. (Source: RSPCA)
Q: How long do chicks need to stay in a brooder?
A: Typically 4–6 weeks, depending on breed and feather growth. Once fully feathered, they can gradually be moved outdoors. (Source: Poultry Keeper)
Interested in trying this yourself? JB Packaging’s Hake boxes are available in multiple sizes, perfect for DIY brooders and other creative uses. Call us free on 0800 285 1339 or email sales@jbpackaging.co.uk.
Sources