238 



POULTRY PRODUCTION 



need of an unrestricted supply of oxygen than it is before 

 hatching. 



Regulators. — Brooder regulators are similar to incubator 

 regulators in construction and principle. They are not 

 considered a necessity for successful brooding, and many 

 brooders do not have them. In fact, skilled poultrymen 

 frequently brood chicks without the aid of a thermometer, 

 gauging the temperature entirely by the actions df the 

 chicks. 



For the beginner, however, a thermometer is a necessity, 

 and a regulator highly desirable for the first few days at 



Fig. 119 



Outdoor brooders. 



least. After chicks are well started they show considerable 

 independence in moving about in search of the temperature 

 which just suits. At first, however, they are more helpless, 

 and it is safe to regulate the temperature for them rather 

 carefully. 



A wide variation in temperature, especially if the changes 

 from one extrenje to another are rapid, will cause a large 

 death rate. 



Types of Farm Brooders. — Farm brooders are of two general 

 types — the outdoor and indoor. The outdoor is a small 

 house built substantially enough to withstand rather severe 



