Raising baby chicks requires a safe and controlled environment to ensure their survival and healthy growth.
A brooder is a specialized enclosure that provides warmth and protection for newborn chicks during their first ten days.
While most people opt for a square brooder, we are building a round brooder instead. The round design eliminates corners where chicks could pile up and suffocate, making it a safer option for your flock.
Why This Brooder Works
- Prevents chick piling – The round shape ensures chicks don’t crowd into corners, which can lead to fatalities.
- Better temperature regulation – With a strategically placed heat source, chicks can move to warmer or cooler areas as needed.
- Durable and customizable – Using wood and hardboard, this brooder is built to last and can be customized for different flock sizes.
- Efficient heating system – The W1209 thermostat and halogen bulb provide controlled heat, ensuring optimal conditions for chick growth.
What You Will Need
Materials:
- Wood pieces: 6 x 11.5-inch pieces (2-inch thickness)
- Hardboard: 2 pieces (4 x 13.5 inches, 3mm thickness)
- Round base and top: 2 x 2-ft circles (wood or laminated sheet)
- Netting: 12 x 12 inches (small holes preferred)
Electrical Components:
- Power cord: 4 feet (220V, 23/73 gauge)
- Shorter power cord: 2 feet (220V, 23/73 gauge)
- Bulb holder and halogen bulb
- W1209 thermostat controller
- 12V 1A adapter
- Electrical tape
Tools & Supplies:
- Cutter pliers, screwdriver, hammer
- Handsaw, jigsaw (optional)
- Marker, measuring tape
- White glue (0.5 kg)
- Door hinge, magnet, knob
- Screws (1.5 inches & 0.5 inches)
- 10-inch wood pieces
How to Make a Brooder
Step 1: Attaching the Net to the Top
To ensure proper ventilation, secure the net over the vent area:
- Measure and mark the softwood pieces to match the net’s dimensions.
- Cut two identical pieces and repeat for the side sections.
- Stack all four pieces and drill two holes at the center to align them.
- Place the wooden frame over the net and secure it using screws.
Step 2: Marking the Top and Bottom Sections
- Stack both round wooden pieces on top of each other.
- Position the door in front of the vent and mark a line 1 inch away from the edge. This ensures space for proper door closure.
- Extend markings from the door edges, measuring 12 inches from the mark, then another 10 inches towards the back.
- Drill holes at the marked spots through both top and bottom pieces.
Step 3: Assembling the Main Structure
- Attach a wooden piece under the top circle at the door marking using glue and nails.
- Repeat this process for the other support pieces.
- Secure all vertical pillars using screws.
- Flip the structure upside down and attach the bottom circular piece by aligning it with the top, applying glue, and tightening the screws.
Step 4: Covering the Structure with Hardboard
- Apply glue generously along the structure where the hardboard will sit.
- Carefully lay the 4-foot hardboard sheet over the frame, starting from the door side.
- Align the sheet with the round shape, securing it with screws at 5-inch intervals.
- Repeat for the remaining space, ensuring a snug fit.
- Reinforce the edges with additional screws for stability.
Step 5: Installing the Door
- Cut the door panel to size, ensuring a perfect fit within the designated frame.
- Apply glue and press firmly into position.
- Attach hinges by marking and drilling screw holes.
- Secure the door knob using a bolt.
- Install a magnetic latch on the upper part of the frame for a secure closure.
Step 6: Setting Up the Electrical Components
Wiring the Bulb Holder and Plug:
- Strip the 4-foot wire and attach one end to the bulb holder and the other to the plug.
- Strip a section of wire 1 foot from the bulb holder and split one wire into two.
- Connect these two wires to the W1209 circuit’s K0 and K1 terminals.
Connecting the W1209 Controller:
- Strip the 12V adapter wires and connect the white-striped wire to the 12V terminal and the black wire to the ground (GRD) terminal.
- Drill three holes on the brooder’s top surface for securing the W1209 circuit.
- Place the bulb near the netted area to create a warm and cool zone within the brooder.
Step 7: Configuring the W1209 Thermostat
- Press SET once and adjust the temperature limit (e.g., 35°C for turning off the bulb).
- Press SET for 6 seconds until P0 appears, then press SET again to change the mode to H (heating).
- Press SET for 6 seconds again, navigate to P1, and set the differential value (e.g., 3°C, meaning the bulb turns off at 35°C and on at 32°C).
- Secure the W1209 controller with screws and run the necessary wires through drilled holes.
Final Setup:
- Ensure the 220V power cord exits through a drilled hole.
- Insert the 12V power wire into the circuit.
- Position the temperature sensor inside the brooder near the chicks.
Additional Details
- The top net allows adequate ventilation while preventing chicks from escaping.
- The door hinge and magnetic lock ensure easy access and security.
- The hardboard covering provides insulation, maintaining a stable temperature inside.
- The W1209 thermostat automatically controls the heat, reducing manual intervention.
- The positioning of the bulb ensures a temperature gradient, allowing chicks to regulate their warmth needs.
Summary
Building a round brooder is a practical solution for raising chicks in a safe and controlled environment. The curved design prevents piling-related fatalities, while the W1209 thermostat and halogen bulb maintain optimal warmth. This DIY brooder ensures your chicks stay comfortable and grow healthily. For a more detailed visual guide, watch our video tutorial!
This plan is a contribution by [Umair Workshop]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.