Brooder question

[vlapinta]

I have 1 week old chicks. I have them in a plastic bin brooder without a cover right now. How long can I keep them without a cover? When I placed the heat lamp on top of the brooder with the cover on, it didn't get passed 85 degrees. I took the cover off and lowered the lamp. I just don't want the chicks to be able to get out. They are safe inside a spare room that is heated to 74 degrees.

Kindest Regards,
Vicki

 

[underground chickenman]

How high are the sides? They should be okay for a couple of weeks if the sides are at least 18 inches high. If they are in a room that is 74, it shouldn't take much to get the heat to 95, unless you are using really low wattage.

If the brooder is uncovered, I would worry more about something getting in for now, such as a cat or dog.

UGCM

 

[vlapinta]

The sides are @ two feet high. The brooder is on top of a dresser so my dog cannot get to it. I also keep the door closed to that room. He is uninterested in trying to get in the room. I do understand he is an animal so I still don't trust him 100%. That is why I keep the door closed, and the brooder high so just in case he does get in he wont be able to ge to where the chicks are. My only concern was the chicks getting out on their own. By next week I will put the cover back on top and the light back on the top because I can raise the light a little.
Vicki

 

[SaltLakeSpice]

I agree w/ the UGCM, they won't be able to flap out if the sides are high enough for a few weeks. And I'm assuming they're high enough since they are too high to keep it warm enough around the bottom. If you do have concerns about something getting in though, it may be time for a higher wattage bulb.

 

[vlapinta]

I just picked up a higher watt bulb. Thanks to all for your suggestions!

Vicki