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More Info (Fact
Sheets)
Alphabetical List
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Chick Vitality
Healthy Bird Management
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First 48 Hours
Temperature - Temperature - Temperature
The first 48-72 hours of a chick's life
is critical
To maximize immunity, performance and liveability the barn floor
temperature should be 90 to 92 degrees F / 32 - 34 degrees C. This
will create a comfort zone for the chicks. The feeders and waterers
should also be in the comfort zone.
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Comfortable |
At the farm the chicks
will be spread out, eating and drinking. The chicks feet
will be warm. |
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Hot |
The chick is panting in
the bar. A "chirping" distress sound may be heard.
Chicks may move away from the heat source and line up
along the wall. |
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Cold |
The chicks will be less
active. The cold chicks may huddle or "bunch" around the
heat source or in the feeder trays. Low temperature
chicks have cold feet. If the chicks feet feel cold to
the touch on your cheek then they are too cold. These
chicks are struggling and are diverting energy that
should be used for growth and development to maintain
body temperature. |
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Chilling in the first 48
hours of brooding |
Chicks do not have the
ability to control their body temperature completely
until they are 2 weeks old. floor temperature and
insulation will mean more to the chick during this time
than the air temperature. The chicks need at least 3-4
inches of Fluffy Dry litter to provide protection from
the cold floor. |
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Feed and Water |
Must be within the
comfort zone of the chicks. A good crumble, not pellets
or mash will encourage uniform distribution of nutrients
and give the chicks a good start. |
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Gases |
Carbon dioxide and
ammonia, if they are present in the house, tend to sink
to the floor, displacing oxygen and this low oxygen
level at the floor can cause Ascites. |
Chick uniformity is influenced by
temperature, access to feed, access to water and air quality. Any
time a portion of the flock is forced to struggle to maintain
temperature, access feed, water or to breathe - uniformity will
suffer.Manually keeping the
chicks spread out (walk the chicks) allows them better access to
feed and water.
Remember, temperature is the
most important factor for good flock health and liveability. Floor
temperature 90° to 92° F / 32° to 34° C.
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