Mary Allen
Newly hatched chicks need a warm room temperature of 32 degrees for the first few days. With each week of life, the temperature can be lowered a little. But which heat source is actually the right one?
In the past, the most common heat source was the infrared heater. The red infrared light bulb is mounted in a specially developed lampshade with a protective basket. According to the current animal welfare ordinance, however, the chicks must now have a dark phase in which the light intensity is less than 1 lux. This corresponds to lighting a candle from a distance of one meter and is therefore much darker than the infrared light bulb. If the chicks had bright light all the time, they could always eat and would grow too quickly. In the worst case, this would result in the deformation of bones, since the skeleton would not grow as fast as the chick gains weight. However, since animals cannot do without heat even at night, the use of infrared heaters is no longer necessary.
The use of so-called infrared dark radiators, on the other hand, is acceptable according to the Animal Welfare Act. Here it must only be ensured that the animals have a light source of 5 lux during the day. The disadvantage of dark radiators is the high procurement costs. A new bulb quickly costs 35 francs.
The Distribution of the Chicks Shows Whether the Temperature in the Barn is Right
The heat lamp is installed in the barn at a height of 45 to 55 centimeters above the ground. Whether it is positioned correctly can be determined by the distribution of the chicks. If the chicks snuggle up to each other and stand vertically under the lamp, it is too cool for them. If the chicks are far away from the heat source, they are too warm. However, if they are fairly evenly distributed in the stable, the heat lamp is correctly positioned. If the chicks crowd into a corner, there may be a draft.
To ensure that the chicks get enough warmth in their first weeks of life, the use of a warming plate is an alternative solution. Here the animals can hide and feel almost as protected as under a hen. The height of the plate is usually adjustable. For the newly hatched chicks, start with a height of about ten centimeters and increase this as they grow. A heating plate of 25 × 25 centimeters is available from 40 francs and is sufficient as a heat source for up to 20 chicks. There are various versions, for example with an infinitely variable temperature controller or a larger plate up to 40 × 60 centimeters in size.
An increase in the rearing of chicks is the chick home. The heating plate is usually already installed in it and the temperature can be conveniently regulated from the outside. The front is usually provided with grilles and plexiglass panes. You always have a clear view of your chicks and can also regulate the temperature by moving the plexiglass panes. Some of these chick homes have a built-in drawer that makes clearing out even easier. However, the various functions and ease of use come at a price. At around 300 francs to buy, the chick home is probably the most expensive solution.