Baby chicks holding their wings out

[halmar]

Are they too warm? The thermometer reads 91 they are 8 days old. They will sit down with their wings away from their bodies but they don't move away from light.

 

[columbiacritter]

If they are't moving away from the heat source they aren't too hot they are "Sun" bathing. Mine will do that or sprawl out like they're dead just totally happy in the heat.

 

[halmar]

Thank you. I am one day into be a chick momma and don't want to screw it up.

 

[Judy]

That is, if the brooder is big enough for them to get to a cooler place. In summer, chickens definitely hold their wings our from their body when it's hot out, and they pant. Is it 91 everywhere in the brooder? If so I'd raise the light. 91 is really a little warm for 8 days, IMO.

 

[magicpigeon]

I would make sure there was some "shade" (i.e. some cardboard blocking a little of the light) in one area just in case. It's summer here in Australia so sometimes the chicks don't even need the lamp, it's hot enough outside!

However I wouldn't worry too much about them lifting their wings unless they were trying to move as far away from the light and each other as possible. Then they would be over heated

 

[Fred's Hens]

The brooder needs to be large enough for the chicks to self regulate. Moving into the heat and moving away, if they get too warm.

 

[halmar]

I moved the light up a bit and provided shade at one end of the brooder they are still sitting in the light. Temp is currently 85.

 

[Stormview]

Sometimes Chicks Stretch Out There Wings And Sun Bake And Dust Roll, If They Are Panting With Beaks Open And Wings Out They Are To Hot.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Agreed.

 

[halmar]

I think it was a little warm for them yesterday. They have perked up, and are playing keep away with dried blueberries. Temp currently is between 84-86 degrees. Thanks so much for the input!