xt7rjd4pmp5v https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7rjd4pmp5v/data/mets.xml   Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. 1930 journals kaes_circulars_001_3_157_02 English Lexington : The Service, 1913-1958. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station Circular (Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station) n. 157 text Circular (Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station) n. 157 1930 2014 true xt7rjd4pmp5v section xt7rjd4pmp5v Extension Division
THOMAS P. COOPER, Dean and Director.
(REVISED)
Brooding Chicks Artificially
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Lexington, Ky.
January, 1930.
Published in connection with the (lKl`lk‘lliilll`I`ti extension work carried
Ou by cooperation of the College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky,
with the U. S. Department of Ag_rieulture, and distributed in further-
ance of the work provided for in the Act of Congress of May S, 1914.

 I
PRECAUTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
1. Regulate the brooder to supply uniform and sufficient heat. Run l
the brooder stove for two or three days before putting the chicks ‘
' into the house.
2. Feed the chicks when they are put into the brooder. if the chicks `
are not fed immediately they may eat too niucli sand, thus cans
ing digestive troubles.
3. Use only materials of good quality iu making up chick rations.
4. Allow sufficient feeder space to prevent crowding. Provide ze;
linear feet of feeder space for each 100 chicks.
i 5. If liquid milk is used, clean the feeders daily.
6. If liquid milk is not available, use dried buttermilk. The chicks
must then be supplied with clean water at all times.
7. Clean the house two or three times during the first week. and
twice weekly thereafter. .
8. Clean litter and clean feed aid in preventing diseases.
9. Strong, healthy chicks are easy to raise, weak ones are not. _
10. Often the mistake is made of closing the house too tight. See
that the house is properly ventilated.
I. . . . I
*·· .-..— J.

 IRCULAR NO. 15
_ C (REVISED, 7
_ Brooding Chicks Artificially
· J. E. HUMPHREY*
Wlteit 150 or more ehielas are to he hatehed at one time, a
brooder stove and eolony hrootler house ean he used economi-
i eallv. This number can he hrootletl under a ltrooder stove at
I 110 greater eost than brooding under hens. lf tl1e hens are not
 · used to brood the ehieks they will lay enough eggs to equal in
i- Rim . `qtlae the fuel needed to operate a brooder. The labor involved
Chim Q in operating one ltrooder stove is no more than that neeessary
T for the proper eare of three or four hens with eltieks. lf early
Chick;   },I·t,j],·t-s and winte1· eggs are tlesiretl it is essential to ltateh the `
ts cams ‘ ehielis early. This tneans i"t'i)l°ll£tl'}`-lltlll'll('Li ehieks of the meat
breeds. llart.·li-hatelted eltielcs of the Qt‘lI(‘l`Zli·]IllI‘])(>S€‘ breeds and
T April-liatelied lieghorns.
tions.
KIND OF BROODER TO USE
me [E; ` The eoal-hnrning hrooder stove tsee eut on title page} has
proved very satist`aetory wherever used. lt is desirable because
of its low eost per ehielc eapaeity. ample supply of heat, ease of
regulatioii and laek of danger t`rotn tire. There are a nuinlter
of eoal burning ltrootler stoves on the market and altl10 some
9 chicks  . may have slight advantages over others all are eonstrueted on
 » the same general plan. l·`eatures to look 1`or are the size of tl1e
eek and g coal eltanther and the type ot` regulator. The larger the coal
p ehainlter Ellltl the niore sensitive and reliable the regulator. the
more satist'aetory the stove will he. t_'l`he bar therniostat is
1 more reliable than the water therntostat it.
‘ The lixperintent Ntation has tried several oil-buriiiug
’“°t‘  4 breeders hut tinds that it is intpossiltle to get sutlieient heat to
ight. See   k(`0]l'lllt‘ ehielqs warnt when the \\`t*illlll‘l' is very eold.
Z llllls is espeeially true with l·`ebruary and Mareh hatches
 _; \\’lle1‘e the outside i<‘lllll(‘l`Hllll`<‘ oiiteu gets ltt‘lo\v Tl'<‘t‘Zl11Q`. Good
j results have been secured with April a11d Hay hatehes. The
 . {FP6 of oil burner that uses no wielc but burns the vaporized Oil
 I (air hlastl has given very satisfaetory results.
€ The eapaeity ot? brooders varies with the size of the stove.
3 The iuost eonnnon sizes are the -I2-ineh eanopy. usually adver-
ttsetl to aeeotntnotlate 500 ehieks. and the 48 and 52-ineh canopy,
 _ lmilt;i¤;;l·'¤I¤iip·hs.iin   limH_tI_mri;\"st.,,-tit_ nas i»t·.·n t—.·v·1s.~t1 ana put mm its —
•

  l ` 1
 
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4 Kcntuc/.ry .E.7J[€}lS[0}l Cl·I`(Ill1(l7' N0. 157
to :1cc01111110d:1te 1,000 chicks.*’ Tl1e 48 or 52-inch c:1110py is 1111
` most 111-:10110:11 but never ]ll01`C illilll 350 1-hieks sl111:1l1l l1; l11·111,111,.11
`ll11dO1‘ OIIC stove.
THE COLONY BROODER HOUSE
The S11011—l'OOf e11l1111y l)l'(l<1l1l‘l` lll>llSC 11:1s 111-111*1-11 v1-1·1· 11113.
factor}'. The 110use S1l(1\\'ll 111 tllll 111:111 1111 11:1ges S :11111 $1, 1~
simple 10 k°011$tl`ll(.t, l11\1‘ 111 1·11s1 :11111 1-:111 111- 111111*1-11 1-:1sily \\`1111 .1
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be 0111;:111011 {1*:1111 1111- 1·]x111-1·i1111·11: S1Zl11lll]. `
A i` · ‘ •-..»fQ1..1.

 ‘ Brooding Chicks Artijicially 5
. summer. The colony house may also he used during the winter
is the for Surplus stock, such as cockerels, and in the spring, before the
Umm brooding season, for 21 breeding pen. Many poultrymen use the
brooder house for laying hens during the winter, and in the
__ __ spi-jog they put these hens with the rest of the flock. It is read-
Tsilii ity seen that the colony brooder house need never lie idle, but is
  E useful during the entire year,
mh A It is not always netcessary to build a special colony house
i for a brooder of this kind, as often a room of the poultry house
or some other small house can be used. A house or room used ,
l for this purpose should contain 100 to 150 square feet of floor
. space to assure the best results.
V CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLONY BROODER HOUSE
{1**; i The colony brooder house sliould provide the following es-
ii sential requirements: (l) ventilation, (2) sunlight, (3) dry-
ness, (4) freedom from drafts, (5) durability, (6) soil sanita-
  tion. (See figure 1.)
  The Floor. 'l`he floor should be made of shiplap or tongue-
   i and-groove material with smooth surface. This aids in keeping
  the house elea11 and sanitary. The house should be set on 4
G"  x 6 runners made so that a team can be hitched to them and
  ig  the house moved to fresh ground each year. See plans on pages
Q fi. S and 9.
  Tlzc Walls. The walls should be so constructed as to pre-
» -`·’ vent drafts. If the walls have a smooth surface they can easily
be kept free from mites and other vermin. However, boxing or
mm, _`_, , rough lumber may be used if the cracks are stripped.
,,0],,,,,. The Roof, Prepared paper roofing is the most satisfactory.
“_hC,f, it should be laid on a smooth, tight su1·face to prevent damage
,,,1,% from wind or hail.
led the · The Pipe Hole. The stovepipc hole should be cut several
_ ,0 use 1110heS larger than the pipe to be used. A large piece of Sheet
in each Hietal, with a hole in the center just. large enough to admit the
on the PIDB, should be fastened firmly on the roof. It will serve to
mon tg i10id the pipe securely and keep it far enough away fI‘OH1 15118
wood to prevent fire. Special "ro0f saddles" to accommodate
,,,,,,1;],. Pipe of Standard sizes may be purchased from most brooder
im, thc manufacturers or poultry supply houses at nominal COST. These
W ,21, OI- Saddlee are flvaiiable for any pitch of roof, and are usually equip-
  peddvlth Min C€1pS to prevent rain going down the pipe and
rusting the stove. `

 1
6 1{cntuc/ty Extension Circular N0. 157
The Jluslin Ciirfain. The »i' x -l' double <·nrI:iin in 1liet·~·H.
i ter of the front of the house shonhl he I·ovI·1·eil with ini- .
I bleached muslin or sheeting. It shonhl he In-pi elosetl at niulit
and during cold, stormy days, espeeially while the eliielts are
young. lt should he raised wlienerer the Ilirevt sunshine will
strike the door of the house.
BILL OF MATERIAL FOR BROODER HOUSE 10x10
· Runners .,.r.,.. . ..,>......`......l.....l....... . ...... .. ..   .2. -1"xII"x10'» — to 1).I_ ;;_
. Joists ,,.....,......, . ......................,................l.. . ..,.... II, 2"x—I"xI0’» · I0 hIl_ {;,
Raiters ,_.._,.....,.._.._.....__,..._.,..,.......,..................... G, 11"x-I"x12' - ~ -15 my gg,
Plates, etc. ..........l._.................................,...... ..3, 2"x·I"xl0’ - — L10 bil jq_
` \\'indow sills .................... . .....................,........ I, 2"xG"xl0’» 10 I»·l_ fi,
Xailing pieces .,.. . ............... . ........................___ 1;, 2"x4"x1i’»- Q4 I»II_ fj, _
Stutlding _____.,...,.__.___.,...,.__,....,,..,._.,___,....,...,........ 3, ;Z"x·l"xl l' -7- ZS Ini_ ;q
Studding _.____.___,_,__.._.........,...,...................... . ____, il, ;]"x·I"x1j’r » 2.1 Int, ;j_
234 bil. i'
Rough boxing, 1"x10", No. 2 400 l>·l. it. .
Flooring, 1"x6", matched, No. 2 130 Iwtl. it.
Battenings, ¥g"x3" Im) linear ii.
Rooiing, 126 sq. ft., 2 ply
Curtain frames. S pieces, 1"x·l"xl2" 222 Iiil. f‘
2 pair sash, 6 light, S"x10"
S pair of Z" steel butt hinges 4 linear it. 1" niesh »l 1`t. poiilirgr
. l 1 pair of B" T hinges netting (to cover curtainetl opening `
6 pair of Ng" hooks and eyes 1 piece unbleaehed mnslin for
15 lbs. of S-penny nails. ourtain, 11,; yds. sqinire.
5 lbs. of 6·penny nails
5 lbs. of 4·penny nails.
5 lbs. of 16-penny nails.
Some poultrymen prefer a 10' x l2' hrooder house. wliiei.
allows 20 more square feet of floor space at very little alli-
tional cost. Such a house may be easily pulled thru a l2-fvwi i
gate if the runners are 12 feet long and are plaeed the longei
way. It should be 10 feet deep and 12 feet long, The Z
plans on pages 8 and 9 may be used as a general guide. l`l1¤
front windows should be spaced equally between the tleulilé
curtain and the ends. The following bill of material Slltllllli ll?
used:
BILL OF MATERIAL FOR BROODER HOUSE 10 FT. DEEP ANU .
12 FT. LONG
Runners ....,.........._.......................,.....,...........,.... 2, 4"x6"x12’- 48 lid. it p
Joists ..................................................................__ 7, 2"x4"x10'-—- 47 b~l· it- Curtain frames, 8 pcs. 1°x4"x12" 32 bd_ {L
l’d· if- Two pair sash, 6 light, S"x10"
bd- li  _ 3 pair 2" steel butts 4 linear ft. 1" mesh 4 ft. poultry
bil il- ‘ 1 pair G" T hinges netting (to cover curtained opening)
hl YV 6 pair 12g" hooks and eyes 1 piece unbleached muslin for
b‘l· il V 16 lbs. S·penny nails curtain 1% yds. square.
hl ih 5 lbs. 6·penny nails i
bil ih . 5 lbs. 4~penny nails
El,   5 lbs. 16—penny nails
’l>d·   T or>ERAT1oN OF THE BROODER
    Lyne]- BIOSt Of UIC CO&1'buI`DlHg brooder StOV€$ are QQH-
structed to burn anthraeite (hard coal) which gives very satis-
2 my gt ‘ factory results. This coal burns slowly, throwing off an abun-
dance of heat, and makes very little smoke or soot. It will hold
l'*`i·"_ _ fire thruout the night and brooders heated with it are easy to
‘l?°“mgi f regulate. Where anthracite is not carried in stock, the poultry
il raisers may club together and make up a suificient order to
justify the local coal dealer ordering a carload.
` Many poultry raisers have used soft coal in their breeders,
but this is never so satisfactory as anthraeite. lf soft coal is
2. wliicli used, the stove requires more care and attention. Do not use
le ai·l»ll· 2 fine coal or large lumps. Lumps from 2 to 3 inches in diameter,
, lf-foil? commonly called coa1·se egg coal, give the best results. It will
r lengi2
24 bd_ ii, , hard coal to use at night.* A mixture of half coke and half hard
  ix mixture of soft coal and coke is fairly satisfactory. _
. \ ‘ ` —

 I  
S Kentucky Extemion Circular N0. 157  
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 k Brooding Chicks Artificially 9
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t Fig. 2. Chick range. More shade is needed. Note self-feeders and
artihcial shade.
down only at the edge of the canopy. The heliayior of the
chicks is the best guide as to the heat requircinent. lf they
crowd under the canopy and chirp as if tl1cy are cold. more
heat is needed. If they crowd away from the stove the temper-
— aturc probably is too high. During the day the chicks should
be comfortable in any part of the brooder house and at night
remain in a circle around the outer edge of the canopy.
PUTTING CHICKS INTO THE BROODER
Do not put the chicks into the brooder unless feed is ready.
It they must be taken from the incubator they may be kept in
chick boxes. If baby chicks are purchased they should be left
inthe shipping boxes u11til they are to be fed. They should be
at least 24 hours old before they are put into the brooder and
fed. It is more satisfactory to put the chicks into the brooder
in the morning for then they may he watched carefully during
the first day.
WEANING CHICKS FROM THE HEAT
There 1S great danger of the chicks crowding in the cor-
0 D
neis and being suffoeated when the source of heat is removed. _
· I \ ‘ . .

 a
12 1{cntucky Ezvicnsion Circular N0. 157
It is advisable to put very low roosts into the l1ouse as carly as
the third week. These can be put across the back of the house
_ and laid on bricks. Lay the bricks tlat at iirst and gradually
raise the roosts until they are about 1% feet high. It is also a
good plan to put some of the chicks on the roost each night until
they have become accustomed to roosting. The heat should
never be stopped abruptly, but should be decreased gradually
until it is discontinued. Do not remove the brooder stove from
the house until the chicks have become accustomed to roosting.
· Chicks should never be moved from the broodcr house until they
have learned to roost;. i
FEEDING cH|cKS
To insure normal growth the chick ration should include
protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins and water, in
sufficient amounts and in the proper proportions.
The most satisfactory sources of protein are milk, meat
scrap and tish sc1·ap. There are also vegetable sources but these
have proved satisfactory for poultry feeding only when supple-
mented by mineral mixtures.
The fat and carbohydrates are furnished largely by the
grains used. Usually all rations contain a sutlieient quantity
‘ of grain and grain p1·oducts, which are very essential to supply
V heat and energy.
Minerals are necessary for the proper development of bone.
The chief mineral elements needed are calcium and phosphor-
ous. Both are found in meat scrap, tish scrap, bone meal and
milk. Oyster shell and ground limestone carry only calcium.
Vitamins are very essential to proper growth. lnvcstiga·
tions have shown that when vitamins are not present in the
ration, certain nutritional troubles will develop. ln chick feed-
ing only vitamins A, B and D, need to be considered.
When vitamin A is not present in the ration, nutritional
( roup will develop. This is very similar in appearance to com-
mon roup. The chief practical sources of this vitamin are
yellow corn and green feed. It is found in liberal amounts in
cod liver oil and egg yolks. Cod liver oil, on exposure to aifi
soon loses its vitamin A potency.
i When vitamin B is not present a trouble known as polY·
neuritis (nerve disorder) will develop. This trouble is charac-
, terizcd by a loss of muscular control. Vitamin B is also nec-
‘ · · .~!.t;i.

 Brooding Chicks Artificially 13
S essary for prope1· growth. It is found in all whole grains and i
c in liberal amounts in inidtllings. Practically all chick rations
Y contain sufficient vitamin li.
8 When vitamin 1) is not; present, rickcts develops. This is
ll often called leg weakness and is not a disease but a symptom
tl of a imtritioual deficiency. lt is caused by the failure of the
Y chick to properly use the minerals in the development of bone.
11 Sunlight. coming in contact with tl1e chicks and not filtered
g. thru glass, supplies this vitamin factor and enables the chicks
y to develop bone properly. Let the chicks out in the sunshine.
lf it is impossible to get the chicks out into the sunlight. vitamin
D should he supplied by egg yolks or cod liver oil. Eggs should
R be cooked for twenty minutes in order to eliminate any danger `
of transmitting bacillary white diarrhea by int`ected eggs. Only
H eggs from one`s own tlock or from tested tlocks should be used.
it Cod liver oil, if used. should be added to the mash at the rate
_ ofl percent. This amount would be l pint to each 100 pounds
T of mash. ln order to thoroly mix the oil in the mash one pound
V- should be mixed with a small quantit_v ~ltl lbs. ot` mash and
le then this amount mixed with the remainder ol. the mash.
y CHICK RATIONS AND FEEDING METHODS
_y Host of the chick feeding practices can be grouped under
the following methods: tll Grain and milk the tirst week, sup-
€_ plementing this with mash after the chicks are a week old. (2)
F, mash and milk the tirst week with the addition of grain. begin-
.d ning the second week, and till the "all-mash" method. Re-
gardless of the method used the ration should provide the es-
1. sential requirements already discussed.
19 Ti-oz RA·rioNs
d- Mash N0. 1 Lbs. Mash N0. 2 Lbs.
Blilll .... . ............................ 1 ....._.,_ 25 Bran .._.._...................................... 30
ul Sllllllg .... . ....... .. .....................,.. 25 Shorts ..,.............................. . ...... 30
H- _ Gmllllll Yellow corn .............._. 25 Yellow corn meal or ground ·
Meat scrap or fish scrap ...... 10 yellow corn .......................... 20
M Dl`l€‘ll llllllérmilk ...........i..._.... 10 Meat scrap or tish scrap* ...... 20
lll · BOW? meal .................i. . ............ 5 Salt ................................. . ...i....... 1
1. Salt ...........__.___,_ _ ___»_______________Y______ 1 _
’ Gram No. 2 Lbs.
Grain N0. 1 Lbs. (`raeked yellow corn .............. 35
y- Cl"*<*l<<‘