2 Get the temperature right

Chicks in a brooder will need heat for at least 4-5 weeks. Once you decide on a heat source, you need to work out how to give chicks the option to get warmer or cooler. You also need to be able to reduce the temperature so you can wean them off heat over a period of time.

But what is the ideal temperature? Some breeds and strains of poultry require different temperatures for them to be comfortable.

Ideally, a starting temperature should be at least 30°C at chick level. It can be 25°C in the coolest part of the brooder area.

For commercial hybrids (Hylines and Shavers), the recommended starting temperature is 35°C for the first three days at the heat source, and 28-29°C in the coolest part.

Some black-downed breeds like Australorps also prefer higher brooding temperatures than yellow-downed chicks.

Heavy breed meat chicks do better with a temperature of 28-30°C to start, otherwise they just sit around and sleep and do not eat.

The temperature should be progressively reduced every three to four days. At 14 days, chicks need it be around 27-29°C at the warmest point, down to around 19°C at 35 days.

It’s important to wean chicks off warmer temperatures gradually, by either lifting the heat source higher or turning it off for periods on warm days. Chick behaviour should always be the guide

A cold chick will not seek food and may starve itself. It will try to huddle with its mates, often standing with its eyes almost shut, cheeping loudly. A chick which is too hot will pant and often press itself in the far corners of the brooder space. It may also lay prostrate. Do not confuse this with sleeping. A sleeping chick may sit in a dish with its mates, or just drop where it is and lie with head, neck and maybe wings and legs outstretched.