Brooder Temp

[juliect]

I would like to vote that all the books that recommend 95 degrees for the first week be removed from all homes and libraries! My Faverolles chicks arrived yesterday and I had the brooder pre-warmed to 95 degrees. It wasn't long before they started showing signs of overheating, so I lowered the temp to 90 degrees...still too warm. Once I got the temperature backed down to 80 degrees all started exhibiting signs of being happy and healthy.
Makes me wonder if the chicks from the "winter hardy" breeds need cooler temperatures and the 95 degrees should be reserved for the non-winter hardy breeds.

I agree with all the previous posts that say toss the thermometers and let the chicks guide you.

Now my rant is done!

 

[newchickmom09]

That is funny. I am getting my chicks next week so that is something to think of.

 

[Lovesilkty21]

Thank you I get chicks in 2 weeks and i was very worried about the temp thing!!!

 

[juliect]

Quote:
Me too. Before their arrival, I kept checking the brooder, making certain it would hold at 95 degrees. Once the chicks arrived, I spent the first hour & half trying to convince the chicks that 95 degrees was best for them

Then they finally convinced me that their thick down and 95 degrees was not working together. It took about 4-5 hours to find the temperature they seem to be the most comfortable with.

 

[Wynette]

Yep, you really need to watch them and they'll let you know. If they're all huddling together under the heat lamp, trying to get underneath of each other...they're cold. If they're scattered about, outside the "ring of light" the brooder lamp is giving off, then it's too warm under there. If your brooder is large enough, though, it's perfect, because they'll move under the lamp and back out & regulate the temp. themselves by moving around the light.

 

[onedozenphyllises]

Juliect - I'm with you! I've become convinced that all the books are written by and for people who live in North Dakota (or some such other cold place). And are raising chicks in their garage. In January.