1 week old chicks puffing out feathers

[MrsBachbach]

I wanted to note that they were spread out in the bin this morning when I took the pics and that I put a small plastic bin cover on about 1/4 of the brooder to provide shade.  The chicks just all scattered to one corner when I opened the top.    They are still a bit chicken!  I guess a lot chicken!  

You're going to need a bigger brooder. Like now. That one isn't large enough for them to get away from the heat lamp if they need to. If you move them outside they are going to need that heat lamp, likely up to seven weeks old. Keep them free of drafts when you move then outside. If it's a warm day, like high eighties or nineties, turn off the heat lamp. You will have to turn it back on for night time temps. Wherever you keep them, make sure they have an area they can go to escape the heat of the lamp. The rule of thumb when raising chicks is the first week of life they need 95 degrees. Then that drops by 5 degrees for each week thereafter until they are fully feathered and can withstand 70 degree temps. That is usually by six to eight weeks old depending on the breed.

 

[cafarmgirl]

x2 on a bigger brooder asap. There is no way you will make it to four weeks old in that brooder, it is far to small for them even now. Chicks need a minimum of one square foot per bird when they are week olds, more as they get older. And that is a minimum. They need to be able to get away from the heat source and each other lol! Without more space pecking problems are very likely to start up at any time. You might be able to find a big cardboard box, like an appliance box or a melon box. It's easy to make a simple cover for those with some wire and wood for a frame. Even two or three toilet tissue boxes, cut the ends off and tape them together.

 

[Mflood]

I just wanted to let you know that I got a much larger brooder, and now my chicks seem very happy. Thanks for all of the advice!