2 day old chicks are in rubbermaid tub w/250w infrared bulb. Thermometer has a sensor that's stuck to the side where the chicks are, about 5" off the floor.
temp has been around 90 all day--started in high 90s but they were acting too hot--not staying under heat and pecking each other, agitated
temp is now 87.5--they're acting totally normal--milling around, not huddled under the lamp, some are getting adventurous and circling around the waterer, peeping is pretty soft, not like when they first got here, they're all eating and drinking and napping and pecking around.
Why are they so comfy at such a "low" temp? I just lowered the heat lamp (temp's dropped in the garage from the daytime temp, now that it's evening), but I don't want to overheat them.
Are they ok? If they're cold will they act like it, or will they act normal until it's too late? I'm a first timer, and from everything I've read, their behavior is as good an indicator of the brooder temp as the thermometer. I don't want to stress them, cause them to be agitated, or increase the risk for pasty butt...advice please!???!??!?
temp has been around 90 all day--started in high 90s but they were acting too hot--not staying under heat and pecking each other, agitated
temp is now 87.5--they're acting totally normal--milling around, not huddled under the lamp, some are getting adventurous and circling around the waterer, peeping is pretty soft, not like when they first got here, they're all eating and drinking and napping and pecking around.
Why are they so comfy at such a "low" temp? I just lowered the heat lamp (temp's dropped in the garage from the daytime temp, now that it's evening), but I don't want to overheat them.
Are they ok? If they're cold will they act like it, or will they act normal until it's too late? I'm a first timer, and from everything I've read, their behavior is as good an indicator of the brooder temp as the thermometer. I don't want to stress them, cause them to be agitated, or increase the risk for pasty butt...advice please!???!??!?