Coconut charcoal briquettes are you looking for an efficient yet cost-effective heating solution for your brooding needs? Coconut shell charcoal offers multifaceted advantages in brooding practices. These Charcoal briquettes for chicken brooding are revolutionizing the health and growth conditions of the chicks. As a critical phase in nurturing young poultry, brooding demands keen attention. Let’s explore 13 reasons why coconut charcoal should be your go-to brooding ally in poultry farming.
1 Odor control
Coconut charcoal has microporous structure which acts as a natural filter. It absorbs ammonia and sets off the pungent smell in the brooding area. This provides healthy environment and reduces stress for chicken.
2 Allergen free
The coconut charcoal briquettes are free from sulfur, petroleum and synthetic binders. These charcoals eliminate allergens, which could harm the chicks or handlers. For instance, Sulfur dioxide present in processed charcoal can cause respiratory problems. Moreover, a clean and healthy environment is essential for closed indoor brooders.
3 Consistent Heat
After the first week of hatching, the newborn chicks need constant heat around 35 degrees Celsius, which gradually decreases over time. In contrast to kerosene and gas heaters, which fluctuate, Coconut shell briquettes provide uniform warmth, replicating the natural mother hen protection.
4 Long heat output
The Coconut shell charcoal has a compact and dense structure. This property equips the charcoal to burn 20-30% longer than the traditional charcoal. A major challenge in chicken brooding is the need to monitor and refuel heaters frequently throughout the day. Heaters with coconut charcoal briquettes can sustain heat for 10-12 hours, which drastically reduces the need for frequent refueling in a day.
5 Low Smoke in Coconut charcoal briquettes
As the brooding spaces are closed, the exposure to more smoke can result in a common fungal infection called aspergillosis. Excess smoke also interferes with the growth of chicks, causing stunted growth. Therefore, a better alternative will be coconut charcoal which produces minimal smoke, unlike wood charcoal, which could release harmful particulate matter.
6 Easy Maintenance
Coconut briquette charcoal leaves only 3-5% ash. It reduces the risk of dust, which can affect the eyes and lungs of the chicks. However, Traditional charcoal leaves behind 10-15%, which needs frequent cleaning maintenance, which disturbs the chicks.
7 Quick & Easy Ignition
Coconut Charcoal ignites faster than traditional wood charcoal. Fire starters can be used with charcoal briquettes for quick ignition.
8 Fire Safety
Coconut charcoal burns evenly without sputtering sparks. It lowers the chance of accidental fires in dry bedding inside confined spaces.
9 Humidity Resistance
During humid regions, the moisture can dampen conventional fuels to extinguish them. The coconut charcoal briquette has low porosity, which makes it resistant to dampness during rainy seasons. This feature is extremely helpful in Southeast Asia & Coastal Africa, where the humidity levels regularly exceed 80%.
10 Sustainability
Coconut shell briquettes are repurposed from coconut shells which would otherwise be discarded as waste. It is a carbon neutral energy source which is safe for the environment and the chickens alike.
Tips for using coconut shell charcoal in brooding
• Ventilation – Ensure a brooding space with adequate airflow to prevent suffocation from CO buildup.
• Quality Charcoal Heater Pan – Invest in an elevated and perforated heater pans which distribute heat evenly.
• Monitor Temperature- Use a thermometer to keep a check on the temperature to prevent overheating.
Though Coconut shell Charcoal might have slightly higher upfront cost with extended burn time and lower ash production, it’s cost efficient over the long term. Additionally, the farmers can save on fuel quantities, cleaning labor & medical costs associated with respiratory illness. A Survey suggests that farmers in South-east Asian countries, report a 20% reduction in heating costs after switching to coconut charcoal.