Cage Brooding
Before the birds arrive, prepare the house as follows:
1. Put non-skid paper on the bottom of the cage. This paper may disintegrate and fall through the cage bottom or it should be removed at beak trimming time (7-10 days).
2. Start the heating system 24 hours before the birds arrive.
Adjust the temperature to 33 - 34°C (91-93°F). At chick level.
Intensive / Cage Brooding
3. Keep the relative humidity at 40% minimum. In cage brooding, adequate humidity is very important.
Temperature management
Reduce the temperature by 2°C (4°F) per week from 34°C (70°F) until 21°C (70°F) is reached. Look for signs of overheating (panting, drowsiness) or chilling (huddling) and make the appropriate adjustments. Heat coontrol is critical in cage brooding because the chicks cannot move to find their comfort zone.
Maintain adequate humidity if you brood in cages. Relative humidity for cage brooding must be maintained at 40% or greater. If necessary, sprinkle water on the walks or floors to increase humidity.