Keeping our young pullet chicks warm in Winter

I have just returned from a visit to the supply farms and a new flock of young pullet chicks had just been delivered. At this time of year extra care is required to keep the young chicks warm, as the outside temperature can drop below 5°C in the early morning. The background temperature for the first week in the brooding area needs to be no lower than 34°C. Gas fired space heaters moderate the general temperature with spot heaters providing higher temperatures areas, which allows the young pullets to find their individual comfort zone. If you observe a broody hen with chicks she will squat to allow her chicks to huddle into her feathers and be warmed by her body. In commercial production systems we need to mimic this body heat. To conserve energy the ceiling is insulated and curtains are used on the walls to retain as much heat as possible, just like we do with our homes.

Comments

[carlyatha]

Naaaaw they look like little pom poms :o)