Poultry brooding is the process of providing necessary warmth and care to chicks or ducklings in the initial stages until they are capable of regulating their own body temperature. This brooding ensures the primary growth and development of the poultry.

In poultry brooding, maintaining the ideal temperature, humidity level, and ventilation is crucial. This can be achieved using various heat sources such as heat lamps, brooders, or heating pads. Gradually, as the chicks grow and their feathers develop, the temperature in the brooder is slowly decreased in accordance with their growth..

Poultry brooding

Types of poultry brooding

Natural Brooding - Chicks obtain the necessary warmth from their mother. This type of brooding is called natural brooding. When the chicks need warmth, they seek shelter under their mother's feathers. However, this kind of brooding is not applicable for commercial production.

Artificial Brooding - In commercial production, artificial brooding is the most common process. This artificial brooding can be divided into different types based on its heat source.

• Electric Brooder- These are designed with heating elements and reflectors to distribute warmth evenly. They can be either hanging or fixed and are suitable for commercial production.

• Gas Brooder- Using propane or natural gas, these brooders can efficiently warm large areas and are often used in commercial production. However, adequate ventilation must be ensured to prevent gas accumulation in the farm.

• Infrared Brooder- Instead of warming the air, these emit direct infrared radiation to the chicks, providing a comfortable environment for them.

Floor Brooding- In this method, litter is spread on the floor where the chicks are kept, and the heat source is placed above. This is applicable to both small and commercial farms. However, to prevent disease, the litter should be sanitized, and there should be arrangements for proper air circulation.

Brooding Requirements

Brooding is crucial for the early life of chicks as it provides the necessary warmth, safety, and comfort for their survival and development. Without proper brooding, there is a risk of chicks dying from the cold, leading to a weak immune system, improper growth, and a high mortality rate. Warmth aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, allowing the chicks to grow healthy and strong. Essentially, brooding creates a good start for the poultry business, moving the farm towards profitability.

The components of brooding

In our country, both small and large farmers use floor brooding to complete their brooding period. Floor brooding primarily involves three components: a hover, chick guard, and litter.

1. Hover: This is a heat source, such as bulbs or infrared heating elements, installed to directly provide warmth to the chicks. The heat is focused on the chicks and prevents dispersal into the surrounding area.

2. Chick Guard: A barrier that encloses the chicks within a certain area. This ensures that the chicks remain close to the heat source and do not wander away, thus ensuring they receive the necessary warmth.

3. Litter: Materials such as rice husks, sugarcane residues, or sawdust spread on the floor. This provides a comfortable bedding for the chicks and helps maintain cleanliness and warmth in the brooding area.

Brooding period for broiler chickens

The brooding period for broiler chicks is a critical initial phase, lasting from the first 14 to 18 days of their lives, where careful management of temperature, humidity, and ventilation is crucial. During this time, additional warmth is provided to maintain an ideal temperature range, as broiler chicks cannot properly regulate their body temperature until they have grown sufficient feathers. As the chicks grow, the temperature is gradually reduced in a proper brooding process. Additionally, during this period, the chicks must be given adequate water and starter feed. Correct management during the brooding period ensures the proper weight gain of broiler chickens.