Brooder box temperature?

[ChickieMama84]

We have acquired a coturnix quail set up just a few days ago and didn't get much information from the people we got it from so, here I am trying to make sure we have it set up correctly for these little babies to survive. We have 9 hens and 2 roos as far we we can tell. All are laying eggs well about 8-10 a day. The set up came with 7 chicks but we lost 1 because the guy had them in the incubator and from what I read, he could have died from dehydration. Lost 2 more yesterday because their poor little legs weren't formed right and again, I think that it was because of the flooring. So much to learn! So, I got a brooder box made out of a plastic tote but I found them this morning huddled together and read that it was because its too cold. The temp did read low, but how do I go about making it warmer for them? Would putting a towel over the box help? They have pine shavings on the bottom. I'm not sure how to lower the heat lamp as we have it on top of a wire opening of the tote. I think it was a poultry heat bulb that they gave us but I am willing to go buy the correct bulb so I can keep these chicks warm. Any help is appreciated!

 

[izark47]

Honestly I would get a Brinsea Eco Glow20. I also used a tote and heat lamp, but they are so dangerous, the Eco Glow uses 18 watts, is governed by height for the babies, and never will cause a fire.

 

[ThaJuicyJuice]

Here's what ya do... put the heat source so close to the bottom, 6-8 " that they get a choice to set directly under the light for a while, or off to the side. Put the food and water off to the side. If they get chilled they will huddle under the light. As they get taller increase the height of the light. Works like a charm.