Baby chicks won’t stay under heat lamp.

[SGTdebo305]

Hello I had 18 baby chicks in a storage container for about 2 weeks with a heat lamp. Last night I put them in new coop wich is a lot bigger and I put the heat lamp in a corner, is this a bad idea? When I woke up this morning they were all scattered and cold and one was dead . I put their food and water closer two heat. Should I put them back in the storage container where they only have the choice to be in the heat?

 

[Mvan42]

How big is the coop? What is the temperature inside. At that age they should have gems around 80ish degrees. Do you have a heating pad you can add or another heat light. They may need more than one source, one light might not be enough for 18 to get under..

 

[Mvan42]

Pictures of set up will help

 

[Dixie-Doll-House]

I'm no expert by any means, a newbie myself, but that doesnt make sense to me. Chicks will huddle when cold and spread out when hot. Whats the temp in the coop?

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I would suggest getting a brooder plate.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet chick! Bear hugs!

 

[Folly's place]

I'm sorry for your loss!
I agree about seeing pictures of your set-up. This is exactly what i do with my chicks, at about the same age, and have never had a problem. I set the feeder and waterer near the heated area at first, and move it out as they get comfortable running around the bigger space. It helps to spread some food under the heat lamp, with a trail out to the feeder at first too.
Do you have different bedding out there? A different feeder and/ or waterer? If yes, make sure they can recognize what they are.
Is there adequate lighting? Windows for natural light?
BTW, do you have your heat lamp very well secured out there? Mine is chained up to a solid bar or hook in the ceiling rafter, and tied, and the electric cord is also fixed up there, triple securing the lamp.
How are the babies doing now? Warmed up under their lamp? Do you have a thermometer under the lamp to check the temperature there?
Mary