Space allowances range from .7 to 1.0 square feet per bird depending on season, house type and age marketed. Water is supplied by bird activated nipples attached to water pipes running the length of the building. Feeders and water nipples are raised and lowered with a mechanical winch system to provide appropriate eating and drinking height for birds. Chicks are provided feed in trays or small feeders and water in small drinkers during early life and are then trained to use the mechanical systems. Chicks are started on floors covered with 2 to 4 in.
Heat is provided for young chicks by radiant gas brooders, hot water pipes or wall mounted furnaces.
Young chicks require a room temperature of about 87 o F during the first week of life. Diseases are controlled by vaccination, medicated feed for coccidiosis control, exclusion of vectors, sanitation and use of one age farms. These costs assume efficiencies of scale available to large producers. This analysis shows that several contract houses would be needed to provide a reasonable income for a family.