HD4001 US Issue 01
10
Temperatures too high can cause heat stress, dehydration, deformities or haemorrhaging under the skin.
Low temperature may reduce appetite and retard growth. Observation of the bird is the best guide to its
comfort. Chicks try to huddle together if cold and move about seeking parental warmth. Chicks too warm
separate and pant. In either case they will complain vocally. Comfortable birds will lie quietly sleeping with
wings loosely folded at the sides, usually in contact with one another.
6.9
Developing chicks are fairly tolerant of short-term temperature drops but care should be taken about
cooling that occurs during feeding or inspection. Keep the room warm, hold the bird in a cloth to prevent
chilling from cold hands and use warmed feeding utensils.
7
Humidity and Ventilation
Elevated air temperatures in the TLC brooder/ICU will reduce the relative humidity level (RH) and can cause
dehydration. A water reservoir is fitted to counteract this effect.
7.1
An adjustable vent is fitted to the door of the brooder/ICU which may be opened or closed to give greater
control of humidity (close vent to increase) and fresh air flow. The vent may be fully closed as fixed
ventilation is also provided.
7.2
Your TLC brooder/ICU is fitted with a water reservoir (see fig.1) which humidifies air as it is drawn into the
heater enclosure. It is recommended that the reservoir is topped up with water daily to reduce
dehydration. This can be a particular problem with chick(s).
7.3
The brooder/ICU and its occupants need not be disturbed to fill the water pan. Use the funnel provided
to pour water through the water fill point in the top of the brooder/ICU (see fig. 1) directly onto the
evaporating block and into the water pan. Push the funnel down gently into the hole to make sure the
water pours directly in. Clean up any spilled water from the top of the brooder/ICU immediately.
7.4
To further increase humidity levels within the brooder/ICU the water reservoir is fitted with an
evaporating block of absorbent paper mesh as standard. This block may be cut in half or removed entirely
to give lower humidity levels if condensation forms. The block can provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
It is recommended that the block is replaced every 2 months of use.
7.5
In order to maintain maximum air-flow the air-flow filters should be checked once a week for dust or
down, and cleaned if necessary.
8
Introducing Young Birds
Once the correct temperature has been established and the air humidified the TLC brooder/ICU is ready
for use.
8.1
For newly hatched chicks use small plastic tubs such as ice-cream or butter / spread containers lined with
paper towel. Young birds of similar age and size can be placed together and benefit from the warmth and
comfort. If disparity in size is too great the smaller animal is at risk of being crushed or smothered.
8.2
For larger chicks and adult birds line the base of the TLC brooder/ICU with paper towelling and place the
bird(s) directly on this. The brooder/ICU cabinet material is smooth and designed to be easy to clean.
8.3
Change paper towel at each feed or at least four times a day.
8.4
Follow feeding regimes recommended for your species ensuring the highest standards of hygiene at all
times.