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EcoThermoNest: A Smart Brooder Using Recycled Materials for Automated Chick Temperature Management

Newly hatched chicks are unable to regulate their body temperature during the first few weeks of life and naturally depend on the warmth of a mother hen for survival and healthy development. In artificial incubation systems, a brooder is therefore essential to provide a stable thermal environment. However, conventional brooders commonly use filament heating bulbs that emit both heat and bright light, which may disrupt the chicks natural resting cycle, reduce comfort, and require frequent manual adjustment as the chicks grow. In addition, many low-cost brooders switch on the heating element continuously and hence result in inconsistent heating and increased energy consumption.

This project presents EcoThermoNest innovation, a smart and sustainable brooder developed systematically using recycled materials to provide automated temperature management for newly hatched chicks. The objectives of this project are to develop a low-cost brooder using recycled cardboard and aluminum insulation, to design an intelligent temperature control system capable of automatically regulating the ceramic heating lamps and ventilation fan based on real-time temperature measurements, and to optimize heat distribution through an adjustable lamp-height mechanism and thermal imaging analysis. The brooder employs nonlight emitting ceramic heating lamps to provide radiant heat without exposing chicks to continuous bright light. A digital temperature controller continuously monitors the internal temperature and automatically activates the heating lamps or ventilation fan to maintain the user defined temperature. As the chicks grow, the heater height can be adjusted using a lifting mechanism to ensure an appropriate heating distance. A thermal camera is further utilized to evaluate temperature distribution inside the brooder and determine the optimum placement and operating height of the heating elements.

The contribution of EcoThermoNest lies in the integration of recycled materials, ceramic heating technology, automated temperature regulation, adjustable heater positioning, and thermal imaging validation within a compact and affordable brooder suitable for educational and for small scale poultry applications. The proposed system will provide a more stable and comfortable environment for chick growth, reduce manual intervention and energy wastage, and improve animal welfare. Beyond poultry farming, the project promotes environmental sustainability through material reuse while introducing primary school students to practical STEM concepts, including engineering design, temperature control, thermal analysis, and sustainable innovation. EcoThermoNest demonstrates how simple engineering solutions can address real world agricultural challenges while fostering creativity, environmental responsibility, and technological literacy among young innovators. This innovation directly supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Keywords: Smart Brooder, Automated Temperature Control, Recycle Materials, Ceramic Heating Lamp, Thermal Imaging.