Brooding In Poultry Production

What is Brooding in Poultry Production?

Brooding is the management of chicks from one day old to about 8 weeks of age, and it involves the provision of heat and other necessary care during chicks’ early growing period. Brooding units are designed to house chicks from one day old until they no longer need supplementary heat (0-8 weeks). Growing pens are used from the end of the brooding period until the broilers are sold or the pullets moved into permanent laying houses (up to 20 weeks). Laying pens or cages are used for pullets and hens from the time they start laying until they are culled and sold at the end of the laying period (up to 78 weeks).

General systems of brooding

• Natural brooding
• Artificial brooding

Natural Brooding

The natural method of brooding is used on farms where only a few chickens are raised each year. Depending on her size, a hen will brood 15-20 chickens. The broody hen will provide all the warmth required by the chicks. Before placing the chicks with the hen she would be examined for her good health and free from lice, tick and other ectoparasites.




Artificial Brooding

Artificial brooding is the handling of newly born chicks without the aid of hens. It is accomplished by means of a temperature-controlled brooder (foster mother). Artificial brooding has several advantages over the natural method, which are:

Chicks may be reared at any time of the seasons.
Thousands of chicks may be brooded by a single person.
Sanitary condition may be controlled.
The temperature may be regulated.
Feeding may be undertaken according to plan.

The essentials of a good brooder are:

A dependable mechanism for controlling temperature and regular supply of fresh air, dryness, adequate light, space, easy disinfection, protection against chick enemies, safety from fire, and economic in construction.

Management of Chicks in the Brooder

• Adjust the temperature as per requirement of the chicks. In case of oil heating, see that there is no defect in the stove or lamp. Chicks should not have access to the heated parts of the lamp at any cost.
• Avoid a damp poultry house. You can use a deep litter system.
• Discourage litter eating by the chicks, scatter mash over egg case flats when the chicks are first taken out of their boxes.
• Provide balanced standard mash.
• Keep provision for the entrance of fresh air.
• Provide clean, fresh water in front of the birds at least twice daily. (Read about the importance of water in poultry farming)
• Chicks, after 3 weeks old may be provided chopped green grasses (to increase Vitamin A intake)
• Clean the brooders including feed hoppers daily.
• Follow a regular vaccination program.
• Avoid overcrowding as this will lead to slow growth and mortality. (Read 10 ways of preventing or reducing high mortality rate in poultry farming)
• Keep the brooder in such a place that cold wind and rain does not get in.
• Daily inspect the condition of birds and their faces for any sort of abnormality.
• Keep in touch with any veterinarian for the help at the time of need.
• It is always advisable to check the fittings, temperature control, feed and water trough arrangement before shifting the chicks in brooder.

Source: live stock