Brooding is the determining phase of whether chickens will later be strong, uniform, productive, and able to reach their genetic potential.

In the modern poultry industry—both broilers and layers—brooding is a topic that never stops being discussed. Many farmers consider this early phase a boring routine, a task that feels repetitive. In reality, however, the brooding phase determines up to 80% of a chicken’s performance success in the subsequent production period.

Without proper brooding management, poultry performance will lag behind, maintenance costs will increase, and the final results will struggle to compete. Brooding is not simply about turning on the heaters and providing feed. It is a biological investment, a foundation that determines whether production will reach its maximum potential.

According to I Dewa Made Santana, General Manager of Customer Care and Technical Service at PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk, whom the Poultry Indonesia team met at CPI Ancol on Monday (5/12), the brooding phase is when the most significant development occurs within the chicken’s body—especially in the immune system, digestive system, vital organs, as well as bone growth and muscle foundation.

“During brooding, more than 70% of the chicken’s immune cells are formed in the digestive tract. The digestive system also develops rapidly, with intestinal villi growing significantly in the first seven days. Vital organs such as the liver, heart, lungs, and pancreas all undergo intensive development, along with bone growth and the formation of muscle foundations.”

If this phase fails, the consequences can be severe. Daily feed intake will be low, feed conversion ratio (FCR) will worsen, growth will slow, flock uniformity will be disrupted, chickens will become more susceptible to disease, and production costs will inevitably increase. No other phase can fully “compensate” for mistakes made during brooding. Damage at the beginning cannot be completely corrected later.

House Preparation: A Step Often Overlooked

Before discussing temperature, feed, and ventilation, there is one fundamental aspect that farmers often overlook: proper house preparation.

Many farmers only clean the surface of the floor and walls. Some spray disinfectant without using insecticides. Others ignore leftover feathers and spider webs because they feel that the previous production period was “fine.” In fact, this stage is precisely when the entire cycle of disease that may remain from the previous flock must be broken.

“Ideal house preparation involves many steps: thoroughly removing dust, feathers, spider webs, and manure; washing the house until it is completely clean, including all equipment. This is followed by spraying insecticides and allowing the residue to work for a full 24 hours. Repeated disinfection should also be carried out at least 2–3 times before the chicks arrive. In addition, the house should undergo a downtime period of at least 14 days so that pathogen populations can truly decline.”

This article is an excerpt from the Management section of Poultry Indonesia magazine, March 2026 edition. Read the full article in Poultry Indonesia Magazine – March 2026 Edition. For subscriptions or further information, contact: https://wa.me/+6287780120754 or sirkulasipoultry@gmail.com.

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