When replacing poultry house fans, select the most efficient fans suited for your needs. Always have a replacement fan motor available. Brood Properly Closely follow your company's recommended partial-house brooding program, especially during the first 3 weeks. Always brood the maximum number of chicks for the equipment being used. After establishing the appropriate starting temperature, reduce the temperature by 2 to 3 degrees every 3 to 4 days rather than making one 5 degree reduction weekly.
Gradual reductions provide comfortable conditions without overbrooding and wasting energy.
Maintain Brooders Adopt a good brooder maintenance program. A sooty brooder means that fuel is not being burned properly, resulting in wasted gas and excess carbon monoxide. Keep the burner openings clean. Use the proper size reaming needle to avoid altering the opening size and wasting fuel. Have spare thermocouples, valves, and other parts on hand for emergency repairs.