Brooder Heat

[ValVienna]

We have a radiant heat source (Ecoglow 600) and surrounding air temperature in the enclosure is between 70F and 80F. Do we also need a heat lamp to raise the ambient temperature to 95? What ambient temperature is ideal? We have 4, 2 day old chicks. Thank you.

 

[GodLovesU]

I would get a heat lamp, that’s too cold for them.

 

[ValVienna]

It is 99° underneath the heat plate, but the surrounding air is much colder. Does the surrounding air have to be at least 95 too?

 

[FarmerGirl101]

It is 99° underneath the heat plate, but the surrounding air is much colder. Does the surrounding air have to be at least 95 too?

That is perfect then. I use a heat plate and don't use anything else to raise the surrounding air. They tend to regulate themselves pretty well as to where they go. Just make sure the heat plate is low enough for them. For the first little bit it needs to be pretty close to the ground

 

[GodLovesU]

Oh no, if it’s that warm under there they should be fine.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum! Glad you joined!

We have a radiant heat source (Ecoglow 600) and surrounding air temperature in the enclosure is between 70F and 80F. Do we also need a heat lamp to raise the ambient temperature to 95? What ambient temperature is ideal? We have 4, 2 day old chicks. Thank you.

Broody hens can raise chicks even with snow on the ground. The chicks go out from under the hen to eat, drink, poop, play, and explore. When they get cold they go back under her to warm up.

70 F to 80 F is not too hot and it is not too cold as long as they have a warm spot to go to so they can warm up if they need to. They have a good way to get away from the heat if the heat gets too hot. Your set-up should work well.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It is 99° underneath the heat plate, but the surrounding air is much colder. Does the surrounding air have to be at least 95 too?

Ideally you want the ambient temperature to be at least 10 degrees cooler (or more is fine) so the chicks can regulate their body temperature by dipping in and out of the plate as needed.

As Ridgerunner noted, mama hens can raise chicks even in winter, and the chicks will run under her to warm up, and then out to explore and eat. The plate essentially acts the same as the hen here.