9 day old Chicks will not use heat plate

[Judykaymayes]

My chicks are 9 days old put in the heat plate 2 evenings ago and they will not go under it and stay they would rather use the top to set on .I did turn my garage gas heat up the temp is 85 degrees any opinions would be appreciated.
Regards Judy Mayes

 

[HollowOfWisps]

You do not need to turn the heat up in your garage to 85. At 9 days that’s too hot to be constantly at. Chicks are perfectly capable of regulating their own heat. The recommendations you see online I think are way too high. I have 1.5-2 week old chicks inside a room at 70 and they stopped using the heat plate. When I raise them outside and it’s only 40 degrees out by 3-4 weeks they start to wean themselves. The only chicks I have lost were DOA or died within 24 hours of arriving here that were in pretty poor shape to begin with. I have never lost a perfectly healthy chick doing it this way.

 

[Judykaymayes]

You do not need to turn the heat up in your garage to 85. At 9 days that’s too hot to be constantly at. Chicks are perfectly capable of regulating their own heat. The recommendations you see online I think are way too high. I have 1.5-2 week old chicks inside a room at 70 and they stopped using the heat plate. When I raise them outside and it’s only 40 degrees out by 3-4 weeks they start to wean themselves. The only chicks I have lost were DOA or died within 24 hours of arriving here that were in pretty poor shape to begin with. I have never lost a perfectly healthy chick doing it this way.

Thank you have been so worried about them and trying to take care of them ,one wasnt good wen we got them one passed within the hour of getting them ,there tiny bantams had pasty butt .
Regards Judy Mayes

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

I have chicks outside in 45 degree lows with a heat plate and they are fine. Just had to train them that it’s where the heat is a few times the first day, by herding them under it. They pop in and out as they want. During the afternoon when it is 65-75, they often choose to nap on top now (6 days old).

 

[Judykaymayes]

I have chicks outside in 45 degree lows with a heat plate and they are fine. Just had to train them that it’s where the heat is a few times the first day, by herding them under it. They pop in and out as they want. During the afternoon when it is 65-75, they often choose to nap on top now (6 days old).

Thank you for your reply good to hear encouraging posts.
Regards Judy Mayes

 

[RoyalChick]

What temperature is it in the garage? As others have said, they are probably warm enough and don’t feel the need. You should check thatvthey know how to get in and out and then trust them.
Mine have usually preferred the top of the plate. I even put a cardboard tray up there with some shavings and it is the most popular hang-out.

 

[rosemarythyme]

tiny bantams had pasty butt .

Heat can be a contributor to pasty butt.

 

[Judykaymayes]

Heat can be a contributor to pasty butt.

We have put them in a bigger tank and started using the heat plate hopefully pasty butt won't be an issue anymore.Thanks for you reply!

 

[LifeSimpleAndSweet]

Same exact thing for me.
Hmm... the quote isn't showing up.
My chicks, their situation, and results are exactly the same as Amelia Bedelia's.

 

[Judykaymayes]

Two of the four my chicks started using the heat plate took three days
Regards Judy Mayes