Hygge henhouse
Keeping chicks warm is essential for them to develop properly in their first three weeks. An Austrian organic farmer chose Uponor to create the optimal environment.
Something like a nursery for organic chickens. This is how you might describe the pre-fattening house in Weitersfelden (Austria) that Wolfgang and Katharina Kaltenberger built in 2020. Up to 9,600 chicks start growing up here before they move into the henhouse. To flourish and thrive in the first few weeks of their lives, the chicks require a comfortable and healthy temperature of 32–34 degrees Celsius. Keeping their feet warm also helps to prevent the foot ailments to which poultry are particularly susceptible. This is why the Kaltenberger family opted for an underfloor heating system from Uponor that is integrated into the concrete slab. The Uponor Magna system can reach the chicks’ comfort temperature much more precisely than is possible with conventional fan heaters. Another advantage is that the straw on the floor stays dry and does not need to be replaced as often. The underfloor heating is supplied by the woodchip heating system. The two are connected by 80 meters of Uponor Ecoflex Thermo Twin pipe. Drinking water is also carried by Uponor systems: Uponor Uni Pipe PLUS multi-layer pipes and the S-Press PLUS fitting system.
Did you know?
• Chickens are one of the few farm animals that require water of drinking quality. To ensure the necessary hygienic standard, the water is transported by Uponor systems.
• The underfloor heating system is connected to the wood chip heating system in the machine hall via an 80-meter-long local heating connection with Uponor Ecoflex Thermo Twin (flow and return in one jacket pipe).
• The air temperature should ideally be 34°C, and 32°C near the floor when rearing begins – this is essential for the small chicks