Heat Management in Poultry Birds' Brooding

Heat management in poultry birds' brooding is the monitoring and controlling of the form of energy that is transferred by a difference in the temperature of the poultry pen. It is highly important to have a maximum control of the room temperature at the stipulated temperature of 35 °C, which is the required room temperature for day-old chicks for the first 3 days.

You might be wondering why heat is essential?

To give an answer to your question, Let me start with this: since they are also living things, they go through some cycles that involve fertilization, egg formation, and hatching. During the process of hatching, the egg undergoes a level of temperature which helps in the development of the chicks inside the eggshell. Which brings me to the real point: they need time to adjust to the temperature outside the shell and to solidify their body systems, just like human beings.

What form of heat source can I use?

We have various heat sources, be it firewood, charcoal, lanterns, electric bulbs, electric heaters, stoves, etc. But not all the listed sources can be used in brooding houses as a source of heat. The most common heat sources used by poultry farmers are: lanterns, charcoal, brooding gas lamps, electric heaters, and bulbs. Most of these heat sources are easy to monitor and regulate to get a good result.

When should I start and stop using heat?

Knowing when to start and when to stop things brings out the perfection of the thing. This is applicable to brooding; you need to know when to introduce the heat, likewise the withdrawal period. It is best to introduce the heat into the brooding room a day before the arrival of the chicks to regulate the room temperature and humidity. Adjustment of the temperature on their arrival might not be conducive for some of the birds. A heat source is only needed during the first 3 days; after that, the temperature will be adjusted gradually till they have all their feathers grown, which should be at the age of 4 weeks old.

How will I know if the temperature is high or low?

To confirm the brooding house temperature, it is recommended to use a thermometer to have an accurate room temperature and humidity. In cases where this device is not available, check the activity of the birds to see if they cluster towards the heat source or move far away from it. Clustering means there is a drop in temperature while running away from feed and heat source shows excess heat. To get this right, ensure you feel heat when you are inside the room, about to sweat and not suffocating.

In conclusion, ensure you avoid using heat sources that produce smoke to avoid carbon monoxide buildups, which can lead to chronic respiratory disease (CRD) and other diseases in birds. Don't forget to share your experiences with us in the comment section.