- May 22, 2010
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My brooder temperature is not stable throughout the day.
House style, pets and space force me to use an insulated shed to put the brooder in. There is no alternative.
Trouble is, during the hot day the temperature under the red heat lamp soars to 105F. Late at night, it is down to 90F.
Ive tried a smaller brooder space (2ft x 3ft) and the temperature fluctuations are worse.
With a larger area (4 x 5) it seems more stable. Under the lamp varies from low to high 90s but the periphery is much cooler around 75-80F.
Can a brooder be too big? Ive been told that chicks can pile up in the cooler areas and die.
What amount of temperature fluctuation can you have through the day without making the chicks ill?
I have to sort this out in three days when 16 Buff Orpingtons arrive as day old chicks.
House style, pets and space force me to use an insulated shed to put the brooder in. There is no alternative.
Trouble is, during the hot day the temperature under the red heat lamp soars to 105F. Late at night, it is down to 90F.
Ive tried a smaller brooder space (2ft x 3ft) and the temperature fluctuations are worse.
With a larger area (4 x 5) it seems more stable. Under the lamp varies from low to high 90s but the periphery is much cooler around 75-80F.
Can a brooder be too big? Ive been told that chicks can pile up in the cooler areas and die.
What amount of temperature fluctuation can you have through the day without making the chicks ill?
I have to sort this out in three days when 16 Buff Orpingtons arrive as day old chicks.