Providing chicks with the correct brooding conditions will ensure they get off to a good start. Temperature and humidity should be monitored regularly but one of the best indicators of correct brooding conditions is chick behaviour.

Achieving correct environmental conditions during brooding will ensure:

• Good development of appetite, and feeding and drinking behaviour
• Increased chick activity
• A more uniform flock development
• Optimum health and growth

If chick behaviour indicates that environmental conditions are not correct, adjustments to the environment must be made and behaviour re-assessed.