Brooding
Poultry
Feeding of Chicks
This conventional method of brooding depends overhang on spot heating either by using electrical bulbs or gas brooders. In this system one (over hanging or standing) is provided for every 300-600 chicks. Hovers are reflectors which provide warmth to chicks using electrical bulbs or gas brooders. The air temperature under the hover is kept at a required level. Hovers are made up of metal, wood or bamboo baskets fitted with electrical bulbs, infra red bulbs or heating elements and gas heaters.
Brooder Guard:
2 to 2½ foot away from the edge of hover, brooder guard is provided to prevent chicks straying away from heat source, feed and water. Brooder guards are generally made up of G.I sheet with 18 inches height. For first 2 days, feed is sprinkled on the paper and after that chick feeders are provided. Chick waterers should be provided first day onwards. Feeders and waterers are arranged in cart wheel manner, so that chick need not have to walk long distance to access feed and water.
Temperature:
The temperature is regulated by adjusting the height of hover has with the number of bulbs/flame. During the first week, brooding temperature under hover ( 2 inches above litter at the top of the hover) should be 32 -34oC (90-95oF)with a weekly reduction of 5 oF till it reaches 27oC (80oF).
Brooder Temperature for Chicks at Different Ages:
Temperature:
The temperature is regulated by adjusting the height of hover has with the number of bulbs/flame. During the first week, brooding temperature under hover ( 2 inches above litter at the top of the hover) should be 32 -34oC (90-95oF)with a weekly reduction of 5 oF till it reaches 27oC (80oF).
| AGE OF CHICKS IN WEEKS | BROODER TEMPERATURE | |
| °F | °C | |
| 1st | 90 | 32.2 |
| 2nd | 85 | 29.4 |
| 3rd | 80 | 26.7 |
| 4th | 75 | 23.9 |
| 5th | 70 | 21.1 |
| 6th | 70 | 21.1 |