1st timer with a question!

[lmark]

Ok, I should be getting my 25 red broilers from Ideal Thursday or Friday. I will have the brooder in the un-heated garage. It is a rubber maid stock tank. I have two heat lamps in the tank. My question is, how consistent does the heat need to be in the brooder? I understand that I can change the height of the lamps to keep the temp where it needs to be. But, for example, right now I have the thermometer directly under the lamps and it reads right were it needs to be. When I move the thermometer away from the center of the lights, the temp drops down well below the target temp. I'm sure I am over thinking this but the chicks will be here in a couple of days and I want to make sure I have everything lined out.


Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[Whisper]

It's a good thing to have a temperature gradient-- a cooler spot away from the lights and a warmer spot under them. That way the chicks can pick where they feel comfortable. if they're in the coolest spot, panting and sprawled out, then you need to adjust the lamp higher. If they're huddled in a pile under the lamp, peeping frantically, you need to lower it and warm them up. They'll find their comfort zone.

 

[BigSkyChickens]

If I were you, I would leave the thermometer on the bottom of the brooder, under the lights, it should be 95 F for the first week. Then, when you get your chicks - observe them carefully. Are they all bunched directly under the light? Then they're too cold. Are they scattering away from the light? Then they are too hot. Also, beware of drafts.
Good luck!

 

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
Absolutely!

 

[lmark]

That makes sense. Would it be a problem if it were above 95 under the lamp as long as they have room to go to a cooler spot?

 

[catdaddy66]

I feel sure that a reasonable increase in temp is harmful if they can't get to a cooler area. If they can get cool, cool! I wouldn't feel good about anything over 98-99 degrees, but that's just me.

 

[aimeeinwv]

we did this: put the lights on opposite sides, and when the chicks started to stay to the middle we knew they were too warm so we raised the lights a bit, and raised them more as time went on until they didn't need them. We also put water and food away from the lights.. (well, not directly under them) Good luck!

 

[lmark]

Thanks for the great advice.

The chicks arrived this morning and all seem to be doing well so far. Next question.............I have them on a starter, do they need grit at this point?