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Brooder Space Requirements for Chicks: Feeder, Waterer and Intake
Proper brooder space, feeder and waterer allocation is essential for maintaining healthy chick growth and efficient brooding management. This guide outlines the recommended floor space, feeder and waterer space requirements, along with weekly feed and water intake and body weight guidelines for chicks during the brooding period.
The floor space allowance during the brooding stage is 0.75 sq. ft. (675 cm2) per bird. The required feeder space is 1.0 cm per bird up to four weeks of age and 2.5 cm up to eight weeks of age. The corresponding waterer space allowances are 0.5 cm and 1.0 cm per bird for these periods, respectively.
Accordingly, the brooder house should be constructed with adequate space for the number of chicks to be ordered at specified intervals. The required number of feeders and waterers should be calculated and provided.
Initially, smaller feeders and waterers with less depth should be provided, which should be replaced with larger ones with greater depth after three weeks of age. Adjust the height of the feeders and waterers to match the height of the growing birds to avoid wastage.
Provide feed and water to the birds twice daily at regular intervals. Monitor the growth of the birds and feed and water consumption regularly. The table provides a guideline, although feed and water consumption may vary depending on seasonal variations.
Feed and Water Intake by 1,000 Chicks
| Age (weeks) | Feed intake/week (kg) | Water intake/day (liters) | Body weight at the end of the week (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 40 | 10 | 60 |
| 2 | 80 | 25 | 105 |
| 3 | 140 | 45 | 160 |
| 4 | 200 | 65 | 230 |
| 5 | 250 | 80 | 300 |
| 6 | 300 | 95 | 370 |
| 7 | 350 | 105 | 440 |
| 8 | 390 | 120 | 510 |
