Backyard Fowl Keepers

Has anyone else used a plastic tote as a brood box and noticed condensation building up to the point of water running down the walls? I'm using an infrared lamp with a 6" reflector, and while the top has a hardware cloth-covered hole for ventilation, I’m wondering if I need to add more holes to improve airflow. Thoughts?

Condensation can be a common issue with plastic totes, especially when using infrared lamps.
The humidity from the chicks’ breath and the heat from the lamp often creates the perfect storm for water buildup.
More ventilation could definitely help
Try adding holes around the sides to improve airflow.
Also, experiment with the lamp’s height and position.
If it's too close, it can create too much moisture in the air.

I had a similar issue with condensation in my brood box.
Adding a few extra ventilation holes did the trick.
Sometimes adjusting the lamp's height can also help regulate temperature and airflow.

Condensation can harm the brood. Try adding a layer of insulation around the tote to balance the temperature and reduce moisture buildup.

Plastic totes trap moisture easily. Consider using a dehumidifier in the room or placing a moisture-absorbing packet inside the tote.

Ive used plastic totes before and noticed the same issue. Adding more ventilation holes near the top and bottom helped reduce condensation significantly.

Ive heard of people using a small vent fan to circulate air. It might be overkill, but it could solve your condensation issue.

I drilled extra holes in my tote and covered them with mesh. It worked wonders for airflow and reduced condensation.

I haven't had this issue, but I use a wooden brood box. Maybe switching materials could solve the problem long-term?

Condensation is common in plastic brood boxes. Try reducing the heat slightly or adding a small fan to improve airflow without compromising warmth.