The microclimate: temperature, humidity, air speed, ammonia, CO₂, dust, and how to measure them
The chicken does not live in the climate of Agnibilékrou or Abidjan: it lives in the thirty centimetres of air above the litter. That small volume is what we call the microclimate. A technician who knows how to measure it at bird height, three times a day, sees heat, ammonia and humidity coming before they cost chickens. This lesson gives the six quantities to watch, their thresholds, and the measuring techniques with simple tools.
12 min read · 5-question quiz at the end
By Abdul Hussein ChoumanFounder of NEXTEKCI · Agnibilékrou hatchery since 2006Lesson reserved for students following the steps
This lesson is part of Level 8 — Climate control and housing in a hot climate. It opens to registered students who have passed the level 7 exam. Levels 1 to 5 and the tracks remain readable by everyone.
What you will learn
- ✓Define the six quantities of the microclimate and explain why each one matters to the chicken
- ✓Know the comfort and alert thresholds by age and where to measure them in the house
- ✓Measure with simple tools (thermo-hygrometer, ribbon, crouch test) and interpret the result
- ✓Work out the temperature the chicken feels from temperature, humidity and air speed