Sizing feeders, drinkers and water lines by age and flock size
A chicken that has to queue to drink at 2 p.m. does not drink enough; a chicken that walks six metres to find a feeder eats less; a chick whose drinker is too high does not drink at all. The number, size, height and position of the equipment decide access to water and feed, and therefore the final weight and uniformity of the flock. This lesson gives the reference ranges and the method to calculate them for your own flock size.
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
- ✓Give the equipment benchmarks by age: trays, mini-drinkers, tube feeders, bell drinkers, nipples, trough feeders
- ✓Calculate the number of feeders and drinkers and the length of water line for a given flock
- ✓Set the height and layout in an 8 m house, and check the flow rate of the nipples
- ✓Size the water reserve and keep it cool for a 34 °C day