3 week old chick question

[Erica]

If it was me and the house was at least partially heated I would make them a chick igloo... A really cosy night hutch just the right size for the number of chicks. Then as of today, now, I would shut the heat and teach them to use the cosy igloo when they need to get warm.

You can make one out of practically anything as long as it's well insulated (but also ventilated). A small hatchway with dangling curtain keeps heat in but allows air (but you have to train the chicks to go inside). Just make sure the interior is not much bigger than all the chicks when lying in a group... At three weeks of age this could easily be sufficient for them indoors, though a lot depends on how cold it gets in your house.

Just google 'cold brooder' and you'll see they come in many shapes and styles... Beware the ones that lack insulation as they're taking 'cold' too literally.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
Didn't someone say that moisture made their bulb explode or something?

That happened to me with a heat lamp bulb outside under a tarp in the rain.

 

[CowgirlPenny]

Quote:
Didn't someone say that moisture made their bulb explode or something?

That happened to me with a heat lamp bulb outside under a tarp in the rain.

Ahh! Well, how are people able to have outdoor brooders? I mean there is no way to keep moisture out of a barn or anything. I use a white light, not a red one. Does that matter? So frustrating!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
That happened to me with a heat lamp bulb outside under a tarp in the rain.

Ahh! Well, how are people able to have outdoor brooders? I mean there is no way to keep moisture out of a barn or anything. I use a white light, not a red one. Does that matter? So frustrating!

The rain actually spattered into the hot bulb somehow. When I use my 100 watt bulbs inside the hutch with a roof over it and all sides enclosed it doesn't get wet. I am usually using two bulbs to keep the brooder warm (this is when the chicks are a little older- three bulbs for brand new ones in the garage brooder).

I have always used white lights. The red ones are liked by some because it is thought that they reduce pecking. My chicks do fine.