FindWoodPlansWoodworking Plans
Home/Other Projects

Chick Brooding Cabinet

Build a cabinet for brooding chicks! Use as a pet cage for birds and other animals!!

Chick Brooding Cabinet

Specifications

Project typeOther Projects
RoomOutdoor
StyleFarmhouse Furniture
DifficultyIntermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Chick Brooding Cabinet dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

1 - sheet 3/4" plywood, ripped into 3 strips 15 1/2" wide by 8 feet long (referred to as 1x16 in this plan)

2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long

2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long

8 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long

1 - 1x8 @ 3 feet long

36" wide hardware cloth or chicken wire - I used about 4 feet total

3 sets of hinges

1/2" staples

knobs, handles and latches

Cut List

2 - 1x16 @ 60" (sides)

4 - 1x2 @ 15 1/2" (side trim)

4 - 2x2 @ 66" (legs)

8 - 2x2 @ 36" (front/back trim)

3 (or more) 1x2 @ 15 1/2" (for supporting grated bottom)

3 - 1x16 @ 36" (shelves) - extra is optional shelf not shown

1 - 1x16 @ 39" (top)

2 - 1x2 @ 39" (top)

1/4" plywood or other materials 38 1/2" x 60" (back)

1 - 1x8 @ 35 3/4" (bottom door tilts down)

DOORS

4 - 1x3 @ 24 3/4"

4 - 1x3 @ 12 3/4"

Hardware cloth or chicken wire stapled to back

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • hearing protection
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • jigsaw
  • sander
  • staple gun
  • level

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Start with the sides. Drill 3/4" PHs along sides and top edge. Attach side trim.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 1
2

Step 2

Attach legs with 1 1/4" PH screws through predrilled holes.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 2
3

Step 3

Now join the two sides to start making the box.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 3
4

Step 4

This is for the mesh bottom. If you mesh needs more support, add more boards to support.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 4
5

Step 5

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 5
6

Step 6

Followed by upper shelf.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 6
7

Step 7

And the top.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 7
8

Step 8

Followed by adding the back.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 8
9

Step 9

Build doors to fit openings. I stapled hardware cloth to back. Staple hardware cloth to bottom of middle shelf as well.

Chick Brooding Cabinet — step 9
10

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/chick-brooding-cabinet