3 day old chick too cold-hanging out in the incubator

[sabianshepherds]

I got my new chicks today, didn't expect them, so no brooder set up at first. I had to take them with me on errands (OH temps) and finally home to sit while I wipped together a mock up brooder. Well one was over on his side, eyes closed, not with the group. I tried to get him warm, but he looked hopeless, so as a last resort I decided to put him in the incubator. Well he perked up after a half hour, now he looks fine. But should I keep him in the incubator overnight just to be safe, or is it ok to return him to his buddies? They are out in the barn (unheated barn but with a lamp) maybe the low will be 35 F tonight.

 

[Godiva]

As long as there are no drafts and the temp under the heat lamp is 95 F I would say you are fine to put him with the others. But if you aren't sure keep him in overnight and put him with the others in the morning when you can watch. But by the sound of it he/she is fine now... is 'it' eating and drinking well?

 

[madamwlf]

I think that's going to be way too cold for the chicks. Is your brooder draft free with the temp being 95% under the lamp, at chick level?

 

[sabianshepherds]

I'm not sure that anything in this house is draft free. It's such an old house, and even with all of my windows taped, there is still a mysterious breeze... That's why it's in the incubator, the only really warm place. I took it out to give it some water, but no food yet.

I'm thinking the corner room (it's an inside room) in the barn is pretty good, because the others outside are eating and drinking and only a few are huddled.

 

[cmom]

As long as they are warm enough. If they get too cold they can pile up and smother the bottom chicks.