Operating a Modern Broiler House During Cold Weather

Setting up a modern broiler house can seem like an overwhelming task at first. How many inlets should I use? What is the correct static pressure? Which fans should I use for minimum ventilation? These are just a few of the questions to be answered. Then of course there are questions related to the environmental controller: What is the best way to set timer fans/cooling fans to minimize fuel usage but at the same time maintain the best brooding conditions? Which sensors should be used to control ...house temperature? At what temperature should the brooders/furnaces turn on relative to the target temperature? What determines the proper timer fan settings? The purpose of this newsletter is to cover the “how’s” and “why’s” of operating a modern broiler house during cold weather, starting day one, all the way until the day the birds are sold. Though all houses are different, and slight changes may be needed, these guidelines will provide a point from which to start that should help to avoid some of the major problems typically encountered by broiler producers.