Another temp question?

[bambamsdad]

First timer with 49 chicks and another bunch on the way!! Nothin like jumping in all the way!! My question is my chicks are all arriving at different times 1st wk old 2nd 4dys old 3rd not till monday with the brutal heat wave here(n.illinois and everywhere else) i havent been able to adjust heat 90-96days 70+ at nights have a stationary 250 at one end and plenty of room in the brooder for them to move.Im wondering about the effects on growth and not being able to backoff 5degrees per week?? Thanks

 

[Judy]

I would probably turn the heat off during the day and watch their behavior. They will probably be comfortable at cooler temps than you read -- and they should adjust to the heat if it's not added to with a heat lamp. I doubt you will need added heat even at night within a couple of weeks. It will be important that they have warmer and cooler areas so they can choose. Be sure they have shade and some breeze or air movement during the hear of the day.

Mostly, just judge by their behavior.

 

[fiddlebanshee]

I would probably turn the heat off during the day and watch their behavior. They will probably be comfortable at cooler temps than you read -- and they should adjust to the heat if it's not added to with a heat lamp. I doubt you will need added heat even at night within a couple of weeks. It will be important that they have warmer and cooler areas so they can choose. Be sure they have shade and some breeze or air movement during the hear of the day.

Mostly, just judge by their behavior.

This! I have 7 chicks in an outside brooder right now. When they were about a week old the power to the ecoglow went off due to lightning striking the electric fence and taking out power to the coop. Temps were in the upper 90s during the day and lower 70s during the night. At night they just piled together and slept without peeping harshly or seeming distressed. On the night of the lightning strike I went out to check on them at 3 am and they just opened one eye as to say -- whatcha doing with that flashlight, we're sleeping, can't you see! They seemed very comfortable even as temps were in the low 70s - which is cold for one week old chicks according to the books. Well, my chicks never read those books and don't care. I do give them electrolytes and apple cider vinegar to help them keep their strength during the hottest parts of the day, and they sure drink it up!

And then, in your case, if you have 49, they'll generate enough bodyheat to keep each other warm. During the day, just make sure they have shade, a breeze and a place to get away from each other so that they aren't constantly heated up from each other's body temps. I would probably provide the heatlamp at night, but not during the day. I don't think it'll be necessary. And, as the previous poster said -- judge by their behavior -- if they're cheeping loudly they're too cold. If they seem lethargic and don't move around much -- they're too hot (and you may need to bring them inside with a heatlamp).

 

[bambamsdad]

The 250 goes off during daytime 40watt just for light have a large fan moving as much air as possible temp reaches 95-97 during day even with the shade on the coop brooder box is 4x8 screened top they move around alot especially chasing flies/moths lost one of my jerseys yesterday was fine in morn noticed some mucus on beak down to 48 outta 52 just crossing my fingers hopeing no more losses and hoping the heat passes for all are sakes looks like another 2days w/triple digits!! thanks for the help am hoping for the best!!