How to Raise Chicks in a Cardboard Box

Obtain a clean and sturdy cardboard box. A 2-foot by 2-foot box with 12 to 15-inch sides is appropriate for up to 12 chicks. But chicks grow fast, and this size of box is only suitable until the chicks are 10 days old. A larger box with 1/2 square foot of floor space per bird can accommodate chicks up to four weeks of age. After four weeks, each chick will need 1 square foot of space.

Place the base of the gooseneck study lamp close to the cardboard box. Let the lampshade with the bulb extend into the box. If the box is tall, cut a slit in the cardboard for the gooseneck.

Cover the bottom of the cardboard box with several inches of dry, clean litter. Chopped straw, wood shavings, peat moss and sand are common litter material. Sometimes newly hatched chicks confuse litter and feed. Cover the litter with a layer of rough, crinkled paper for several days. To prevent slipping, don̵7;t use slick paper. Place the thermometer on the litter, near the lamp.

Attach the chick waterer base to a quart or pint-canning jar. A quart-size jar provides water for up to 15 chicks. Fill a chick feeder with chick starter mash. The mash provides a balanced diet for young birds.

Cover the top of the box with screen or wire mesh. This will block predators and prevent the older chicks from flying out.

Set the chicks carefully into the cardboard box brooder. Check the brooder temperature at least three to four times a day. The temperature should be 90 to 95 degrees for chicks up to a week old. If the chicks huddle together, increase the temperature. If the chicks pant, reduce the temperature. Lower the temperature by 5 degrees each week until it equals room temperature. Clean the waterer daily, regularly add new litter, and add feed as needed.