Focus on heating the floor during preheating and brooding. Use mixing fans during the preheating process to force hot air off the ceiling and down to the floor to maximize floor warming. Floor temperature is critical during brooding because chicks are in direct contact with the floor. In addition, a warm floor helps reduce fuel usage by acting as a reservoir for heat. When ventilation fans run, heat in the air is exhausted from the house.
Heat stored in the floor remains in the house.
Concentrate on providing the right temperature for chicks in the right area. Check curtains, doors, fan louvers, inlets, etc. to make sure no outside air can infiltrate the house. Adjust or replace straps to hold curtains tight to the side of the house. Check the top of the curtain to ensure a tight seal where the rod rests against the sidewall. Likewise, make sure the bottom of the curtain is sealed tightly to the sidewall.