4 more days! & questions

[dovecanyon]

Yes, I am going shopping tomorrow to pick up a regular thermometer. I dropped the one I had and broke it. I was just using my quick-read thermometers to test the brooder temp before the chicks arrive. Glad I set it up a few days early, as it took some practice adjusting the lamp to keep the temp regulated. Our daytime temp is 72-82, night temp is 56-62. I finally think I have it figured out.

Question: where is the best place inside the brooder to place the thermometer? I can't decide if I should put it in the farthest corner from the heat, or closer, perhaps about midway? I assume it should be near the floor at "chick height". Other than that I think I am good-to-go.

Thanks for all the good advice, keep the suggestions coming. I'm starting to get nervous now... chicks coming Tue or Wed. Hope I'm a good "mommy".

 

[Happy Chooks]

I'm by no means super experienced in this, but I'd put it at the edge of the brooder under the heat lamp. You want the heated area to be 95, but the outer areas of the brooder will be cooler. This will allow the chicks to get away from the heat if they are too hot.

Just watch your chicks.....if they are all peeping loudly and piling on top of each other, they are too cold. If they hang out away from the lamp, too hot. If they are huddled but look comfortable, or laying on their sides all stretched out then they are fine.