HOUSING SYSTEMS BIOSECURITY HOUSING & BROODING EARLY MANAGEMENT LIGHTING NUTRITION HEALTH HATCHING EGG MANAGEMENT 31 31 LOHMANN › MANAGEMENT GUIDE ADJUSTING THE HOUSE TEMPERATURE Take random samples of chicks' body temperatures from various parts of the house to create a comprehensive overview of the environment. Use the same method you apply when weighing chicks. When you have the readings, you need to calculate an average and record the uniformity. Using this calculation, you can adjust the house temperature accordingly to achieve optimal chick temperatures of 40–41°C. For example, increase the house temperature by 0.5°C (0.9°F) if the average body temperature of the chicks is 39.5°C (103.1°F). Chicks’ behaviour is THE best indicator if the housing conditions are set effectively for the chicks wellbeing. CLOACAL RECORDING SHEET Too high temperatures and the chicks will move away from the heat source and begin to pant while drooping their wings. Often noise levels will be low and subdued. Too low temperatures and the chicks will start crowding and piling together close to a heat source. They start to express distress calls, often accompanied by a visible rigid posture. Correct temperature will be demonstrated by an even spread of chicks in the brooding area. The sound will be low and relaxed, and drinking and eating behaviours will be clearly seen. Draught or uneven light distribution will make the chicks gather in specific areas often in corners. Too much variation in ventilation flow or in light distribution increases the risk of this behaviour. EXTERNAL FACTORS WHICH COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE BODY TEMPERATURE OF THE CHICKS: Insufficient air distribution in the house Low humidity level (low heat transfer capacity of the air) Failing to pre-warm the house at the right time
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