brooder barn management

MacFarlane Pheasant Farm, Inc.

Jesse SteurerBrooder Manager

Brooder Management

• Environment

• Chores & Set up

• Chukar technique

Proper Heat Proper Ventilation Proper Water Space Proper Feeder SpaceProper Bedding QualityLighting technique

Heat

3 Zones-• 100 degrees directly under the brooder• 95 degrees at the edge of the brooder• 88-85 degrees at the edge of the brooder

facility***Over heating can stunt birds causing them

to never reach their full potential.***

88-85 degrees

95 degrees

100 degrees

Do not dump the birds directly under the heat. - lactic acid built up can cause birds just

dumped to become dehydrated and weak

Heating Controls

Hi/Low

Manual

On/Off

Helps work with the ventilation.

Controls

Honeywells Heat stage

Fan stages

Visual read out

Farm Alarm 24/7 supervision

heat

water

power

phone

Ventilation

5 main points-Work with the heat2 fan stages preferableHi/Low for first stageCorrect size inlets and shuttersNo dead spots

Water spacing & placingSpacing:0-3 weeks - the more the better- Nipples or mini drinkers

increased space the first week

3-6 weeks .1 sq. ft per bird- if started on nipples, they need to be transitioned to open waters

Placing:- just outside the edge of the

heat ring (control temperature of water)

- Near feed source

Using Chlorine in the drinking water can help keep bacteria from playing a large role in the brooder barns

Feeder spacing and placingPlacing: Place at the edge of the heat

source Place near water source

Fill the room

Use coccidiostat and higher protein with correct pellet size

Spacing: 0-3 weeks

-the more the better-suggest using supplemental feeders for increased availability the first week

3-6 weeks .5 sq. ft per bird

Bedding Quality• Correct bedding

- woodchips, straw, etc• Processing of bedding

- kiln dried woodshavings- no rain on straw

• Keep dampness & mold away -Stalosan F-Mold Guard-Air movement

React as fast as possible to mistakes or problem situations.

Guard against asper and other molds in a proactive manner

Birds on damp bedding can get chilled and develop hypothermia

Fog your buildings

Oxine AH

Lighting Technique

• Stimulating activity helps lower mortality and aggression

• Better feed conversion with certain lighting techniques

• Hold the birds near the brooders

ControlsParagon timer Automatically turns lights on/off

Helps activate the birds

Dimmer switch Allows different light intensity

Keeps aggressiveness down

Override timer Allows for human error

Chores & Set-up

Create a Manual

Form Quality Habits

Give yourself time

The ManualAnything & everything should be covered

If you can think or dream about it, it will happen.

All chemicals, medications, feed, etc

Cover the who, what, where, when , why, and how for set up and procedures (#2)

Set up & positioning

Quality Habits Habits help fight fatigue

Reduce mistakes

Act out of instinct

Creates consistency

Time• Overlook critical things

• Stress level rises

• Disease problems

• Profitability goes up

Chukar Rearing

Brooding Technique

• Pile any corners or sides• Consistent heat• No drafts• Constant light• Keep feed and water close to the heat• Keep the bedding dry, DRY,DRY

Transitioning Trimming wings Acclimating to the weather Choosing the correct location for grow

out pens Proactive medication ideas Learn to do field necropsy

Males

Females

Chukar

Redleg

Chukar/Redleg

MacFarlane Pheasant Farm, Inc.

Jesse SteurerBrooder Manager

Questions?