Brooding Management
Essential guide for managing newly hatched chicks
Overview
Brooding is the process of providing newly hatched chicks with supplemental heat and optimal environmental conditions to support temperature regulation, growth, and early development. Since young chicks are unable to effectively regulate their body temperature, proper brooding is essential for ensuring bird welfare, health, and performance during the first weeks of life.
Pre-Placement Preparation
Prior to chick arrival, ensure the following measures are implemented:
Brooding house is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and maintained under strict biosecurity protocols.
Feeders and drinkers arranged for easy access to feed and water immediately upon arrival.
Supplementary feeders and drinkers positioned close to primary systems.
Chicks do not need to travel more than one metre to access feed or water during first 24 hours.
Brooding area pre-heated and temperature/humidity stabilized before chick placement.
Floor temperature maintained at approximately 28°C–30°C for optimal comfort.
Temperature Management
Maintaining the correct temperature during the brooding period is essential for chick health, welfare, growth, and survival. Use thermometers positioned at chick height to ensure accurate readings.
| Age (Weeks) | Temperature at Chick Level (°C) | House Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 33–35 | 30–32 |
| 2 | 30–32 | 27–29 |
| 3 | 27–29 | 24–26 |
| 4 | 24–26 | 21–23 |
When Temperatures Are Too Low:
- • Chicks huddle closely together beneath heat source
- • Increased chirping or distress calls
- • Feed and water intake decline
- • Growth rates reduced, mortality increases
When Temperatures Are Too High:
- • Chicks move away from heat, gather at edges
- • Birds pant and show heat stress
- • Water consumption increases, feed decreases
- • Growth and uniformity negatively affected
Space Management During Brooding
Provide adequate space to promote bird welfare and uniform growth. During the first week, the brooding area should occupy approximately one-third of the poultry house. Expand gradually every two days to accommodate growing birds:
Week 1: One-third of the house
Week 2: Two-thirds of the house (after day 14)
Week 3+: Full access to entire house
Overcrowding can result in reduced feed/water access, poor uniformity, increased stress, higher mortality, and stunting.
Ventilation Management
Proper ventilation is critical during brooding and helps maintain air quality, control moisture, and create a healthy environment. Maintain minimum ventilation opening at the top of the poultry house. During high temperature periods, open curtains from the top (not bottom) to encourage airflow while preventing direct drafts that may compromise chick health.
Feeding Management
Early access to feed and water is critical for chick health and growth. Monitor crop fill during the first 24 hours to assess whether chicks have successfully located feed and water.
| Time After Placement | Target Crop Fill (% of Chicks) |
|---|---|
| 2 Hours | 75% |
| 12 Hours | >85% |
| 24 Hours | >95% |
Examine a sample of 30–40 chicks from three to four different locations within the brooding area. If targets are not met, evaluate feeder/drinker placement, brooding temperature, lighting, stocking density, and chick comfort.