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A heater is a device that functions as an artificial heater during the brooding phase—a vital period when chickens are still very dependent on controlled ambient temperatures in order to survive and develop optimally. DOC is not able to regulate its body temperature independently, so brooders are needed to support DOC's health.   

Some of the main points of the role of heaters are:  

1. Keeping the DOC's body temperature stable, generally in the first week, the temperature of the cage room is set between 30-34°C. Temperatures that are too cold or hot can cause stress which results in disrupted DOC growth and increases mortality rates.   
2. Reducing the risk of disease, consistent temperature can be one of the inhibiting factors for pathogen growth.   

The success factors of the brooding period include:  

• Stability and adequacy of temperature. If the temperature is too low, DOC will clump under the heater, and the growth is stunted; while if it is too high, the DOC stays away from the heater and experiences heat stress.  
• Heating source: The type of heater can be Infrared brooder (gas or electric), Central Heater (gas), rose (kerosene), coal, or firewood. The heat source must be efficient, safe, and easy to operate according to the scale and needs of the cage.  
• Bulkhead or chick guard: Bulkheads are used to keep heat in focus on the DOC area, prevent incoming wind, prevent DOC from accumulating in corners, and protect from predators.  
• Litter: The mat must absorb water/feces, be non-dusty, sterile, and environmentally friendly (e.g., sawdust, rice husks). The goal is to avoid blisters and help with temperature stability.  
• Lighting: Sufficient illumination (10–20 lux, 6000K) is needed to stimulate eating and metabolic activity through stimulation of the hormone thyroxine.  
• Air circulation: A good ventilation system prevents the build-up of harmful gases (ammonia, CO2), stabilizes humidity (ideal 60–70%), and maintains the air quality inside the cage.  
• Feed and drink hygiene: Always clean and disinfected, in sufficient quantities (e.g., 1 tray for 40–45 heads).  
• Population density: DOCs should not be too dense to keep the distribution of heat, food, and water even, and to prevent stress or cannibalism.  

The success of the brooding period can be seen from several aspects, including:  

• Uniform and optimal chicken growth  
• Low mortality rate  
• DOC activity (eating, drinking, active movement) from the beginning of the spread  
• Chicks have warm leg temperatures and are not cold to the touch  

Failure to maintain management during the brooding period causes suboptimal growth, non-uniform chicken size, low immune system, and economic losses due to death or stunted growth during the grower period. Monitoring, evaluation of temperature, humidity, and behavior of chickens must be routinely carried out to ensure that brooder conditions remain ideal during the brooding period.  

The proper use of heaters, cage arrangements, and the fulfillment of basic needs of chickens are the main determinants of the initial success of broiler and laying chicken production.