Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is the ideal brooder temperature for newly arrived chicks?

1. 70 degrees F

2. 80 degrees F

3. 90 degrees F

4. 100 degrees F

The correct answer is: 90 degrees F

The ideal brooder temperature for newly arrived chicks is approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is important because it creates a warm environment that mimics the natural warmth provided by a mother hen, helping the chicks to regulate their body temperature effectively during the first few days of life. Maintaining this recommended temperature is critical for the chicks' health, as they have not yet developed the ability to thermoregulate on their own. At around 90 degrees, chicks can stay warm, promoting better feed intake, growth, and overall well-being. As they grow and develop, the temperature can gradually be reduced by about 5 degrees each week until they reach an ambient temperature that is comfortable for adult birds, usually around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This gradual decrease enables the chicks to acclimate to lower temperatures without causing stress or compromising their health.