3 days old, huddling NOT under light?

[mamarose]

I have 9 three day old chicks in a big box, I brought them home yesterday from the feedstore. They have a heat lamp and plenty of space to get away from it. They seem to spend quite a lot of time piling up together, but they're not under the light. I thought huddling was a sign of being too cold, but wouldn't they be directly under the light where it's warmest if that was the case? Do they just like to sleep in piles?

 

[gritsar]

Yes, they sleep in piles. If they aren't huddling under the light and at the same time, not trying to get as far away from the light as possible, I'd say you have the temp. just right.

ETA: Here's a pic of some comfortable (mostly) sleeping chicks to help you out:

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Do you have a thermometer under the light? Maybe it's too hot for them. They like to huddle together as it brings them comfort. They huddle less as they get older.
When I brought my chicks home I put one thermometer under the light and kept it regulated at 90. I put the other thermometer at the other end and it was always
10 degrees cooler. If you have it too warm under the light it may be just right for them at the other end.

 

[esthermgr]

I've read that huddling away from the light means your brooder is drafty. Try moving it away from any windows and covering part of the top with a lid or towel to keep cool breezes out. Watch your chicks carefully if you do this for any signs of overheating like spreading out while panting.

 

[QuackerOats]

If they are huddling away from the light, it might mean they're too hot. Try making the lamp higher and see what happens.

 

[mamarose]

Quote:
Thanks, Kat. That's about what they look like. When they're not sleeping, they do seem to be all over the box, so hopefully they're comfortable.

 

[ninabeast]

I've been observing the same behaviour in my 5-day olds. I've tried changing the lamp height and it doesn't make any difference. A favourite corner, perhaps?

 

[N&MSchroeder]

This raises a question for me. I have a brooder with bantams in it and they seem to be piled in one corner quite often (but not all of the time). Like you have mentioned, the temperature/space is right, so what is going on? I watched them for a while last night and there appears to be one chick who seems to be "herding" them into the corner. Is this roo behavior or am I imagining it?