Market Broiler Management Practice Test

If chicks are huddled together around a brooder and sound noisy, what does this indicate about the temperature?

1. Too hot

2. Too cold

3. Just right

4. Very humid

The correct answer is: Too cold

When chicks are huddled together around a brooder and making a lot of noise, it typically indicates that they are cold. In such situations, chicks will instinctively seek warmth by clustering together, as this allows them to share body heat. The noise is often a sign of anxiety and discomfort due to the cold temperature in their environment. Maintaining an appropriate temperature is crucial for the health and growth of broiler chicks. If they are not receiving adequate heat, their behavior will reflect their need for warmth. Conversely, if the temperature were too hot, the chicks would tend to spread out and seek cooler areas, displaying a more relaxed demeanor. A temperature that is just right would allow the chicks to behave normally without feeling the need to huddle closely. Therefore, seeing chicks huddling and noisy is a clear signal that the environment is too cold for them.