Market Broiler Management Practice Test

What is the required brooding temperature for broiler chicks?

1. 80 F

2. 85 F

3. 90 F

4. 95 F

The correct answer is: 90 F

The required brooding temperature for broiler chicks is crucial because maintaining the correct ambient temperature is vital for their growth and overall development. Newly hatched chicks are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively, which makes them highly sensitive to their environment. Setting the brooding temperature at approximately 90°F is ideal for the first week of life. This temperature supports the chicks' thermoregulation, promotes feed and water intake, and encourages activity, which are all essential for healthy growth. As the chicks mature, the temperature can gradually be reduced by about 5°F each week until they reach around 4 weeks of age, when they can comfortably manage at lower temperatures. This understanding of brooding temperature requirements is critical for ensuring that the chicks thrive during their early development stages. Therefore, 90°F stands as the optimal starting point for brooding broiler chicks, allowing them to develop properly and efficiently.