A chicken cold brooder suitable for the New Guinea lowlands

Abstract

Many young chickens have died on poultry projects in the Morobe province because of chilling (getting too cold). In the first 2 weeks after hatching, chickens need to be kept in temperatures of 30-32°C. Older chickens can survive in lower temperatures. In the New Guinea lowlands, especially at night, it can be much colder than this. This article describes a 'cold brooder' suitable for farmers who raise 200-250 broilers at a time. This brooder is designed to overcome the problem of chilling in very young chickens at night. Brooding means taking care of young birds.