How to ensure the right climate at startup?

The microclimate inside the house is the most important aspect in the first days of the broilers life.

As the DOC’s are not yet able to control their body temperature, it’s essential to keep them warm. Sufficient ventilation is important to get rid of CO₂, moisture and NH3 and get fresh air in, but in the first week sufficient heat needs to be kept in the building.

5 tips for a good climate at start-up

1. Get the broiler house warm and dry before putting down litter material
2. Make sure the floor temperature is 30°C and verify this, before putting down litter
3. The litter must cover the floor completely, at least 0,5 to 1,3 kg/m2, resulting in a thickness of 2.5 centimeters
4. When you have introduced the chicks in to the house, their cloacal thermometer reading should be 40,5°C. If it isn’t, the floor or house is too cold or the chicks were delivered too cold
5. Chicks from young breeder hens need more heat and get off to a better start at a temperature 1 degree higher during the first week.

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