PRM GB Issue 2
4
4.4 As a general rule, a newly hatched chick will need a brooder temperature a little lower than incubation
temperature, about 35-36°C (95-97°F). The temperature can be reduced progressively at about 0.5°C (1°F) per
day until it is fully feathered or no longer requires supplementary heat. In warm ambient conditions this will
be sooner than in cold climates. When brooding temperatures are just above room temperature the red indicator
light may go out (indicating that no heat is being applied). This indicates that the birds are ready to be moved
to a nursery cage. If room temperature then drops (e.g. at night) then the birds can be kept warm by replacing
them into the PRM.
4.5 Where there is to be a continuous throughput of birds of differing stages of development, several PRM or
TLC-4 brooders can be set to different temperatures and the birds moved to cooler units as they grow.
Recommended staged temperature settings for most parrots and falcons:
Days 1 to 5 Days 6 to 10 Days 11 to 15 Days 16 to 25
36°C (97°F) 33°C (91°F) 29.5°C (85°F) 27°C (80°F)
These temperatures have been found to promote optimal health and growth for newly hatched chicks and are a
little higher than may be found in nests. Where birds are taken from a nest after more than a few days, the
temperature setting will usually need to be a few degrees lower to prevent heat stress. The recommendations
above are for guidance only, always observe the chick’s behaviour (see below) to verify setting.
Temperatures too high can cause heat stress, dehydration, deformities or haemorrhaging under the skin. Low
temperature may reduce appetite and retard growth. Observation of the bird is the best guide to its comfort.
Chicks try to huddle together if cold and move about seeking parental warmth. Chicks too warm separate and
pant. In either case they will complain vocally. Comfortable birds will lie quietly sleeping with wings loosely
folded at the sides, usually in contact with one another.
4.6 Developing chicks are fairly tolerant of short term temperature drops but care should be taken about cooling
that occurs during feeding or inspection. Keep the room warm, hold the bird in a cloth to prevent chilling from
cold hands and use warmed feeding utensils.
5.0 Humidity
Many exotic species raise young in naturally hot, humid conditions. By raising the air temperature in a brooder the
humidity level will be reduced and can cause dehydration in young birds.
5.1 Your PRM brooder has two water reservoirs built into the base to allow the humidity level within the unit to be
increased. Humidity is altered by changing the surface area of the water i.e. water in one, both or neither
reservoirs. Use a solution of Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant (1part concentrate to 100 parts water) in the water
reservoirs to inhibit bacterial build-up. It is recommended that the reservoir is topped up with solution daily to
reduce dehydration of the chick(s).
5.2 If measuring humidity levels directly be cautious of readings from low cost analogue or digital hygrometers.
The best way of accurately measuring humidity levels at reasonable cost is to use a wet bulb thermometer. A
specially designed wet bulb thermometer is available for the Octagon 20 incubator and PRM. Contact Brinsea
or your local dealer for details.
5.3 The Brinsea H22 Automatic Humidity Management Module is available as an option on the Octagon 20
incubator and PRM. This module provides a readout of RH level and automatically controls water evaporation
to maintain the user’s setting.
