Creating the perfect brooding environment for your chicks

By Ndumiso Tshuma

Agricultural experts advise that before collecting day-old chicks, it is essential to set up a well-prepared brooding box.

While both rectangular and circular designs can be used, a circular brooding box is preferred, as it helps prevent chicks from crowding into corners, reducing stress and potential health risks.

Dr Enoch Machingauta, a poultry specialist at Econutrivet, recommends placing wood shavings with a bedding thickness of at least 8 to 10 cm. The heating system should be properly positioned—infrared lights should be set at knee level, while 100-watt ordinary bulbs should be placed below knee level to ensure even heat distribution.

“A white sack or khaki paper should be placed over the shavings, with some feed spread on top while the rest remains in feeding trays,” Dr Machingauta explained. “Water troughs should be adequate for the number of chicks to ensure sufficient access.”

He emphasised the importance of water supplementation, advising farmers to add stress-relieving products such as Stress Pack or Endocox to support chick health.

“Once the brooder is at the right temperature, introduce the chicks,” he said. “At this stage, they may struggle to recognise their feed, but the white or khaki paper helps by making the feed more visible. As they adjust, they will begin picking feed both from the paper and the trays.”

By the end of the first day, the white sack or khaki paper should be removed as the chicks will have learned to locate their feed and water sources independently.

Dr Machingauta outlined the recommended temperature adjustments as the chicks grow:

• Day 1 to Week 1: Maintain a temperature of 32 to 36°C.
• Week 1 to Week 2: Gradually lower the temperature to 27 to 32°C as feathers start developing.
• Week 2 to Week 3: Reduce to 21 to 27°C.
• Week 3 to Week 4: Lower further to 15 to 20°C, reaching ambient temperature.

“At this stage, there is no need for a heating system as the chicks will be fully feathered and able to generate their own body heat,” he said.

Dr Machingauta also advised adjusting the heating light accordingly. “If daytime temperatures are high, switch off the heating system to prevent dehydration.”

On feeding, he recommended broiler starter crumbs, even for road runners, as they contain higher crude protein levels compared to standard road runner feed.

“If the environment is warm and well-maintained, the chicks will disperse and appear relaxed. However, if they are huddling together, it is a sign that they are cold,” he explained.

By three weeks of age, chicks can be removed from the brooding box. “At this point, they no longer need to feed continuously day and night, as their bodies require time to convert feed into meat,” he said.