Alternative / Floor Brooding
Temperature management

When using a gas fired brooder, reduce the temperature using the brooder by 3°C (5°F) per week until 21°C (70°F) is reached. Maintain adequate relative humidity for birds brooded on the floor. The chicks seem to be comfortable and respond best when relative humidity is between 40 and 60%.

Observing the chicks will tell you whether or not the temperature is correct. If they are too cool, they will huddle near the heat source. If they are too warm, they will spread out away from the heat source. If there are drafts, they will huddle in groups to get away from the spot where the cool air enters the heated area.
Comfortable chicks will spread out uniformly, without huddling, throughout the brooding area.
Floor Brooding
Floor Brooding
 

Twenty-four hours before delivery of the chicks, prepare the house as follows:
  1. Place a brooder ring around each brooder unit.
  2. Adjust brooder temperature to 34°C (93°F).
  3. Fill jug drinkers - two 4 litre (one gallon) drinkers per 100 chicks.
  4. Eliminate all drafts from the house.
Floor Brooding table
Hy-Line, Gereations of success