To read more content about AviNews International December 2024
To read more content about AviNews International December 2024
Feathers, Fans, and Fahrenheit: The Ultimate Chick Comfort Guide!
DON’T LET YOUR CHICKS SWEAT IT OUT
We often struggle to set the minimum ventilation rate from day one and onward. Some controllers have minimum ventilation rate graphs, while others provide minimum ventilation rate levels.
In this process, we must consider maximum outside humidity at minimum temperature and add extra ventilation for high humidity.
The primary goal of minimum ventilation during brooding is to maintain a steady supply of fresh air for the chicks while minimizing temperature variations, drafts, and effectively managing heating costs.
This requires a careful balance of fan capacity, placement, and timing, as well as proper positioning and adjustments of air inlets. Key steps include:
These steps are essential for creating a controlled and efficient environment that supports chick health while minimizing energy use and potential stressors during the brooding phase.
Heating Costs: The Hidden Burden in Poultry Production
Winter is on the way. Starting in November, we will need to run more heaters while brooding chicks. In my region, most farmers use space heaters (forced air) and infrared gas brooders and the average yearly LPG gas consumption per broiler batch for brooding is around 300 kg for a poultry house that is 300 feet long, 42 feet wide, and 7.5 feet high, with insulated side curtains.
Factors Affecting Heating Costs
The heating cost of an environmentally controlled house depends on:
The first three factors are fixed once the environmental control house is completed.
Heater Capacity and Climate Controller Settings
When purchasing a heater, we often ask the seller how many chicks the heater can provide heat for. This question is somewhat irrelevant.
Space heaters come in different capacities, such as 73 kW, 63 kW, and 35 kW. For a poultry house measuring 300 feet by 42 feet by 7.5 feet (totaling 94,500 cubic feet), the required heater capacity would be:
94,500{cubic feet} times 12 (BTUs} = 1,134,000 {BTUs}
To optimize your gas bill, set an appropriate temperature differential between the required temperature and the heater’s activation temperature.
Initially, this should be as close as possible to the required temperature (e.g., 0.5 degrees). Since chicks are not fully feathered, heaters will quickly attain the required temperature and shut off.
The minimum ventilation cycle duration should be between 3 to 5 minutes.
After the arrival of the chicks, the farmer is often in a state of dilemma for several days.
In the first week, the feed consumption per chick per day ranges from 13 grams to 36 grams by the seventh day.
In poultry production, achieving optimal conditions during the brooding phase is crucial for the health and growth of chicks.
Effective minimum ventilation is essential to ensure a steady supply of fresh air while managing temperature fluctuations and humidity levels.
Properly calibrated ventilation systems help maintain a balanced environment, reducing the risks of respiratory issues and stress among chicks.
Implementing efficient heating strategies, including adequate capacity and appropriate temperature differentials, can significantly reduce operational expenses while ensuring that chicks remain comfortable and healthy.
In summary, a holistic approach that integrates minimum ventilation, efficient heating, and effective feeding systems is essential for successful brooding. By prioritizing these elements, poultry producers can foster a productive environment that supports chick health and maximizes growth potential.
