Ensuring Temperature Requirement of Baby Chicks by Application of Innovative Plastic Hot Water Bottle Brooding

Abstract

The hot water brooding system demonstrated effective thermal performance, maintaining stable temperatures within the optimal range of 25-35°C through the thermal retention properties of plastic water bottles. Hot water brooders eliminate fire hazards and toxic emissions, significantly reduce operating costs, require minimal supervision due to water's thermal properties that retain heat for extended periods, and offer a scalable, sustainable alternative using affordable materials that can be easily replicated. This action research was conducted holeta polytechnic college utilizes a participatory approach to engage rural farmers throughout the process of improving chicken-rearing practices. Chicks reared under hot water brooding achieved a slightly higher mean body weight gain (8.42g) compared to those under electric brooding (6.24g), suggesting improved feed utilization and reduced thermal stress. The economic analysis revealed substantial cost savings, with the hot water brooding system producing a 4-week-old chick at a total cost of 191ETB compared to the market purchase price of 450ETB, representing a 259 ETB saving per chick. For a total of 20 chicks, total savings amounted to 5,180ETB, with a profit margin of 135.6%. The cost breakdown  showed that day-old chicks accounted for 62.8% of total costs, feed for 26.7%, and fuel, labour, and medication combined for only 10.5%. The affordability, scalability, and reliance on locally available materials make the system particularly suitable for resource-constrained rural communities. Its broader adoption has the potential to substantially reduce chick mortality rates, improve household income generation and food security, and thereby contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the poultry sector in Ethiopia.