I'm keeping my brooder in the upstairs shower (enclosed to confine all the dust), and have noticed that my chicks prefer slightly cooler temps than I had expected--they run for shade if the light is direct, so I've started aiming it at the shower wall instead of directly into the brooder. The chicks seem happy, not huddled together nor panting in the shade. BUT--I live in Los Angeles, and we're having a pretty hot week. It's been 90 degrees every day this week, cooling down significantly at night. So I leave the light off during the day, and turn it on in the evening. So now my chicks are learning to be nocturnal! Will this sort itself out, or am I setting them up for a shock?
I have 2wk old chicks in a portable brooder right now, and I put them outside everyday. Our temp stays around 70-89 so I put the wire brooder in half sun half shade. they love it and are getting to know the other flocks. Hope that helps.
