CAGE'N BIRD

ARTIFICIAL BROODING FROM DAY-ONE

When brooding delicate day-one hatchlings the brooder interior should be darkened and temperature set at approximately 95°F to 98°F. for the first day. Because newly hatched chicks are extremely light sensitive, during their first 1-2 weeks of life, it is physically and psychologically important that they be kept in a darkened environment. Temperature should gradually be reduced through the first week. Sick or stunted chicks will require higher temperatures for their age than do healthy chicks. 

When using our own darkened water-heated brooders, (Cage’N Bird’s "Water Nannies") the temperature is lowered about one degree per day until 90°F is reached at about one week of age. 

Our Water Nannie Brooders (below) are ideal for your delicate day one chicks and meet all the criteria of a good brooder.

Recommended temperature settings may vary, depending on your brooder make up. Monitor  brooder environment and chick often! When raising and lowering temperatures always take into consideration the number, health, and age of babies within a brooder. Ideally, each clutch should have its own brooder, if possible and/or segregate according to age. While a single baby will be more comfortable with a higher temperature, a clutch is happier and healthier with a lower temperature setting. A cold chick will feel cold to the touch, cries and is usually restless. A too warm baby may be redder than usual and pants or gasps. Adjust thermostat accordingly.

As chicks mature and increase in weight, temperature may be reduced gradually. Temperature should not be allowed to drop below 86°F. until birds are completely feathered, and are approaching weaning. Only then are bird’s bodies able to adjust to room temperatures.

APPROXIMATE BROODER TEMPERATURES

Because our Water Nannie brooders are specially designed for delicate day-one hatchlings, individual cups or containers are not used to support and separate chicks. I do use a specially designed cloth ring to support neonates under one week. The "Baby Support Ring" is strategically placed, at the warmest point in the brooder, over a clean white wash cloth. The cloth provides footing and makes it easier to monitor each baby's droppings as to consistency and frequency. The Support Ring helps to prevent leg problems such as splayed legs. I find it is unnecessary for normal chicks over one week to use the Baby Support Ring.

Some breeders and brooder manufacturers may require or recommend using separate containers or cups for holding babies inside their brooders. When using containers, they should have straight sides and include absorbent inside liners  and/or bedding (diapers, toweling, etc.) which provides for firm footing.

Never, never, use wood chips, corn cob, recycled paper by products (which look like small chewed up wads of paper) or food stuffs as bedding. All these are potentially dangerous, can harbor excessive amounts of bacteria, and may cause health problems, which will require veterinary assistance. It is safe to use disposable baby diapers, paper towels, cloth towels or our own "Baby Bedding". It is wise to change all bedding frequently and to keep brooders clean and sanitary. Hygiene is extremly important when hand-feeding.

For Information of "First Feedings" click here: Treating and Feeding the New Baby

Copyright © 2001 Wanda Barras. All Rights reserved. WWW users are granted the right to download a single copy of this catalog and Mrs. Barras articles for archival on electronic media and/or conversion into a single printed copy for personal use. All commercial or educational use or reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited. It may not otherwise be reprinted or recopied, in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of Wanda Barras.

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