Mar., 1938] Electric Brooding of Chicks, II. Heat Requirements 



27 



Males were separated from females at six weeks of age, and records 

 were continued on females only. The average weight for New Hamp- 

 shire females at fourteen weeks of age lias been reckoned at 3.340 

 pounds.* The weights established througii electric brooding by the 

 three types of brooders used were quite comparable, varying from 3.07 

 to 3.38 pounds per bird. A similar comparison on total feed consumed 

 shows a variation from 13.077 to 13.897 pounds per bird. This, as com- 

 pared to the standard of 15.035 pounds, indicates somewhat better effi- 



Table VIII. Summary of Results Secured in Electric Brooding to Fourteen 

 Weeks of Age (Average of Two Runs). 



(1936-37) 



(1) 250 chick.s per hover. First Run: November 18 to February 24. 



Second Run: March 11 to June 16. 



(2) Pullets only — males removed at six weeks. 



(3) Forced draft ventilation. 



ciency in feed utilization. Mortality was not excessive in any of the 

 electrically brooded groups. 



No difficulties in management of chicks were encountered in this 

 prolonged brooding period. If the brooder load is held at suggested 

 levels and not materially increased, high quality birds can be pro- 

 duced. No variations in normal brooder management were made nec- 

 essary by the prolonged brooding period. It was found that, following 

 the ninth week in the case of the first run and the fifth week in the sec- 

 ond run, the brooder heat could be discontinued during the day. Hovers 

 were disconnected at approximately 8 A. M. to 4 P. M. Heat was ap- 

 plied during the night period at a reduced rate. After the eighth week 

 in the second run all heat was discontinued. 



Electric Brooding and the Physiological Needs of Growing Chicks 



There have been many indications during these experiments that 

 the temperature and ventilation adjustments have not been entirely 

 suited to the chicks' physiological needs or optimum comfort. 



Among these indications are the following : 



1. Restlessness during the night period. 



2. Flashlight pictures at night showing chicks crowding out be- 

 yond curtain apparently for better air or temperature or both. 



* Circular 52 of the N. H. 

 ards for New Hampshires. 



Experiment Station on Growth and Feed Stand- 



