Chick Rearing

After the quality of the incubator (among other factors, especially correct handling) has determined how many chicks have hatched and how healthy they are, the choice of heat source is also crucial for successful chick rearing.

There are various ways to provide the necessary heat to the chicks for at least 4 weeks, starting at 32-35°C. These differ in their purchase price and running costs - but also have a significant impact on the development of the chicks.

• Proven (we consistently receive corresponding positive feedback), the chicks develop best in our rearing boxes - faster growth and minimal losses.
• The next best choice for your chicks are our white HEKA-warmplates.
• Next are the black (imported) and our own white contact heat plates, our HEKA artificial brooder and Elstein dark radiators.
• Finally, the infrared lamps are the last choice, as they (also proven; due to 24-hour light) promote feather pecking/cannibalism.

Unfortunately, the purchase price is higher for the better option for your chicks. However, in terms of running (energy) costs, it is different: you have the lowest energy costs with our HEKA rearing boxes (good insulation). Next are contact heat plates and our HEKA artificial brooder. However, with both, the low energy consumption is "bought" with less comfort for the chicks because the heat is generated too locally. Our white HEKA heat plates have a slightly higher energy consumption here (but still significantly less than heat lamps) but warm up the entire space below so that the chicks really have the warmth they need.

Finally, the initially cheapest dark and infrared radiators are real "energy guzzlers" in terms of energy consumption. In particular, if you raise a large number of chicks (or several age groups), extreme electricity costs can accumulate here. For example, a single 250W radiator consumes 180 kWh in a month - at €0.40 per kWh, this amounts to a whopping €72.