Moyers Conventional Broiler & Hatchery Choice Broilers Ordered!

[RoosterML]

I’ve never brooded this many chicks before. Can you guys share your brooder setup for larger quantity of chicks. Pictures very much welcomed.

 

[jolenesdad]

I use a 6x2ft brooder. It's technically big enough for 48 birds for 2 weeks, but I usually put in 52-55.

In all the raising I've done this year, and research amongst pastured poultry producers, just about every later growth rate comes down to the success of brooding. What I am seeing most of lately amongst the big time producers is allowing no more or less than 6 inches per bird in the brooder and "crowd brooding". It's all about feeding as much as possible in that time to get the systems going and as healthy and robust as possible. Ive noticed a HUGE change in my growth and consistency across all the birds doing this. The first couple of days you scatter food EVERYWHERE so there is zero competition and they can all eat without having to move much. After that, I keep it where there is enough space for all to eat from the feeders at once.

 

[RoosterML]

@jolenesdad so what are you doing as far as keeping things clean? Just sprinkle new wood chips on top daily? It’s not like I will be pulling them all out to clean it up. Also what are you using for heat source?
Looks like I am well beyond the 6 sq.in per bird.

 

[jolenesdad]

@jolenesdad so what are you doing as far as keeping things clean? Just sprinkle new wood chips on top daily? It’s not like I will be pulling them all out to clean it up. Also what are you using for heat source?
Looks like I am well beyond the 6 sq.in per bird.

You can use a divider to make it a little smaller to start with. I used to use a bigger brooder but made a smaller one instead of dividers.

I used to use heat plates but use those only now after two weeks for an additional week or two when they go into my larger brooder before the pen they stay in. Now I use heat lamps for the smaller brooder and heat the entire space evenly. You don’t actually want the chicks to stop eating to go warm up. Broiler chicks produce the Best when brooded only consistent environments, because they’re developed to be raised in an indoor environment commercially. That’s lead to brooding strengths that come from as consistent an environment as you can get. You have to be a little cautious that it is not too hot, so I go for 88-90 first week and 85 the second throughout the brooder.

 

[RoosterML]

You can use a divider to make it a little smaller to start with. I used to use a bigger brooder but made a smaller one instead of dividers.

I used to use heat plates but use those only now after two weeks for an additional week or two when they go into my larger brooder before the pen they stay in. Now I use heat lamps for the smaller brooder and heat the entire space evenly. You don’t actually want the chicks to stop eating to go warm up. Broiler chicks produce the Best when brooded only consistent environments, because they’re developed to be raised in an indoor environment commercially. That’s lead to brooding strengths that come from as consistent an environment as you can get. You have to be a little cautious that it is not too hot, so I go for 88-90 first week and 85 the second throughout the brooder.

With it being 3.5’x4’ I should be able to keep the whole space nice and warm with one bulb.

 

[jolenesdad]

With it being 3.5’x4’ I should be able to keep the whole space nice and warm with one bulb.

That’s perfect!!!!

 

[RoosterML]

Not happy with the Premier 1 fixture.
Barn temp is 50*f and I have the fixture set right ontop of brooder. Brooder is 16” high so bulb is probably 20” from floor. Brooder floor temp is only getting to 64*f. 250watt bulb being used. POS I am going to go pick me up another clamp on fixture. Good thing I always test my setups well ahead of time.

 

[jolenesdad]

Not happy with the Premier 1 fixture.
Barn temp is 50*f and I have the fixture set right ontop of brooder. Brooder is 16” high so bulb is probably 20” from floor. Brooder floor temp is only getting to 64*f. 250watt bulb being used. POS I am going to go pick me up another clamp on fixture. Good thing I always test my setups well ahead of time.
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Yay for preparedness! Protected from drafts and in that sized space with 50+ birds, they’ll be fine with less temps if you can’t get it quite high enough. They produce lots of heat those little meaties!

I typically use two lamps for my similar sized brooder, you may need one more.

 

[RoosterML]

Yay for preparedness! Protected from drafts and in that sized space with 50+ birds, they’ll be fine with less temps if you can’t get it quite high enough. They produce lots of heat those little meaties!

I typically use two lamps for my similar sized brooder, you may need one more.

I’ll come up with something. These Prima lamps maybe safer but they don’t put out heat for squat.

 

[RoosterML]

Victory!!! Picked up another metal light fixture for the bulb and would you look at that it works. Temp is right where I want it to be. Those (Premier 1) Prima light fixtures may be “safer” but they are horrible at heat distribution. Barn temp 50* and I am able to get it easily to 100* with room to lower the fixture more if needed.