TLC-4/TLC-5 US Issue 2
6
4.6 As a general rule a newly hatched chick will need a brooder temperature a little lower than incubation
temperature, about 95-97°F (35-36°C) and the temperature can be reduced progressively at about 1°F (0.5°C)
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 TLC.
4.7 Where there is to be a continuous throughput of birds of differing stages of development, several TLC4
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
97°F (36°C) 91°F (33°C) 85°F (29.5°C) 80°F (27°C)
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.
4.8 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 TLC is fitted with a water reservoir (see fig.1) which humidifies air as it is drawn into the brooder
through the air inlet filter. Use a solution of Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant (1part concentrate to 100 parts
water) in the water reservoir 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 To further increase humidity levels within the brooder the water reservoir can be fitted with a block of
absorbent paper mesh (optional). This block may be cut down in length with a sharp knife or removed entirely
to give lower humidity levels. The block can provide a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition to the use of
Brinsea Incubation Disinfectant concentrate in the water, it is recommended that the block is replaced every 2
months of use.
