Poultry Brooding Management
What is brooding?
Brooding is the management of chicks from one day old to about 8 weeks of age. It involves providing heat and essential care during the early growth period. Since newly hatched chicks cannot regulate their body temperature, external heat sources are vital to prevent mortality and support proper development.
Types of Brooding
1. Natural Brooding
- Used on small-scale farms.
- A healthy hen broods 15-20 chicks, providing warmth and care.
- Ensure the hen is free from parasites and in good health.
2. Artificial Brooding
Artificial brooding involves handling chicks without hens using temperature-controlled brooders.
Advantages:
- Suitable for all seasons.
- A single person can manage thousands of chicks.
- Sanitary conditions and feeding can be controlled.
- Temperature can be regulated for optimal chick health.
Types of Brooders
1. Charcoal Burner Brooder
- Large charcoal burners can brood up to 500 chicks.
- Alternatives like briquettes and clay pot brooders are eco-friendly options.
2. Kerosene Lamps
- One paraffin lamp can provide sufficient heat for 50 chicks.
3. Electricity Brooders
- One 250-watt chicken bulb can brood up to 200 chicks.
4. Gas Brooders
- These use LPG or natural gas and are ideal for large-scale operations.
5. Box Brooders
- Made from wood or cartons insulated with hay or cloth.
- Suitable for overnight use; no external heat source required.
Preparing the Brooder
Steps:
-
Clean and Disinfect
- Wash and disinfect the brooder, feeders, and drinkers.
- Set up foot baths with disinfectant at the entrance.
-
Chick Guard
- Use a 2.5-meter cardboard to create a brooder guard.
- Fill with 10 cm-thick litter material like wood shavings or straw.
-
Heat Source
- Place the heat source at the center of the brooder ring.
-
Feeding Setup
- Keep feeders on the litter for the first 14 days.
- Gradually raise feeders so the lip aligns with the chicks’ backs.
Temperature Management
| Week | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 32°C |
| Week 2 | 30°C |
| Week 3 | 28°C |
- Remove artificial heating between weeks 3 and 4, depending on the environment.
- Observe chicks’ behavior to adjust the temperature if necessary.
Introducing Day-Old Chicks
- Preheat the brooder to 32°C before chicks arrive.
- Count and record the chicks upon arrival.
- Monitor their feeding, water intake, and behavior for the first 3 days.
Common Brooding Mistakes
Causes of Early Chick Mortality:
- Incorrect brooding temperature.
- Damp conditions in the brooder.
- Overstocking or inadequate feeder/drinker space.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning (e.g., from charcoal burners).
- Feed poisoning from fungal toxins or litter ingestion.
- Starvation or nutrition deficiency.
- Predators such as rats, stray cats, or dogs.
- Piling or cannibalism.
Final Thoughts
Proper brooding management ensures the health and survival of chicks, laying the foundation for productive poultry farming. By following the guidelines above, you can minimize losses and maximize growth potential.