Market Broiler Management Practice Test

Chicks from smaller eggs require higher brooding temperatures at what temperature for the first seven days?

1. 0 C

2. 1 C

3. 2 C

4. 3 C

The correct answer is: 1 C

Chicks from smaller eggs are typically more vulnerable to environmental conditions due to their size and physical development. As such, they require a warmer brooding temperature to ensure their survival and promote optimal growth during the critical first week of life. For the first seven days, a recommended brooding temperature of 32°C (about 90°F) is often cited as suitable. This temperature helps to provide a warm environment that meets the metabolic and thermoregulatory needs of the chicks, particularly in the early stages of life when they are not yet able to fully regulate their body heat. In this context, the choice of 1°C suggests a theoretical, mistaken expectation for temperature since, in practical broiler management, temperatures are maintained significantly higher than freezing. Setting the temperature too low, as implied by other options such as 0°C or lower, would be detrimental, as it could lead to chilling and increased mortality rates among the chicks. Maintaining an appropriate temperature that supports their developmental needs is crucial for successful broiler management and ensures the chicks grow into healthy birds. Thus, ensuring the first week brooding temperature corresponds to actual practical guidelines is essential for effective management of newly hatched chicks from smaller eggs.