Chick management

Definitions

The term brooding refers to the period immediately after hatch when special care and attention must be given to chicks to ensure their health and survival. 

The term rearing refers to the remainder of life after brooding until sexual maturity.

Housing

The brooding room should be heated prior to arrival of the chicks. A newly hatched chick requires supplemental heat to maintain its body temperature; therefore, an external heat source must be provided to young birds in the first few weeks.  Heat lamps with infra-red bulbs are usually positioned in the centre of a brooder ring, which is used to confine chicks in a small area close to feed and water while allowing them to select an environment at their own thermal comfort level. read more