This is my first time raising chicks from 1.5 days old. They are 5 days old today and seem to be thriving. We lost the smallest/weakest within the first 24 hours, it had pasty butt (which I cleaned) but still died later that evening. My chicks are in a 100 gallon plastic horse trought that was converted into a brooder. During the day I turn off the heat lamp as the temp. was reading 102. Since then it seems that the brooder has not gone over 97 during the hottest part of the day. Around 3 pm yesterday a couple of the chicks were panting but still running and drinking. The brooder is very deep and has soild sides.
My question is: Is it ok for them to pant a little or should I make a daytime brooder that has lower sides so they can catch a breeze? I have fans in my barn circulating the air but they are set high so they do not blow directly on our chickens or chicks? Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping my 13 littles ones cooler?
Also I have a 3 ft high by 10 fee long chicken tractor that the hubby made. I raised our guineas in until they out grew it. It is completly enclosed with chicken wire and light enough to drag around the yard. When I can start letting my guys explore the outdoors in this safe enclosure?
I love this site as everyone has been so helpful for this new chicken mom!
