Brooder temps in hot climates AKA PLEASE STOP PEEPING.

[Rasputin66]

I got my first batch of chicks and I'm keeping them inside in my spare room because I don't have a safe place outside for them. How much of a temperature gradient do I need in my brooder? It is 83 degrees in here right now. Sweat is dripping off my face (it's gross). They won't stop peeping and I think it may be too hot. I turned off the lamp and they all shut up, but now I'm worried they will get too cold. Should I turn on an air conditioner and the lamp at the same time? Please help!

They have a fake mom that I made out of a feather boa. The lamp is shining on half the brooder. They are not in the cold side. They are just standing under the lamp and are very upset.

 

[Noy]

I think at 83f they don't need a heat lamp.
I would move it farther away (towards the ceiling) and see how they react.

Forget the thermometer- go by their behavior: chirping quietly, active, running around - all good.

Complaining loudly, huddled in a pile under the lamp - too cold, or spread out around the edges as far away from the heat as possible - too hot.

The chicks have the answers. Look at them as you try out different things.
Enjoy your babies!

 

[Rasputin66]

OK! I'm trying to follow the rules from my chicken book, but I don't think this chicken book was written by a New Orleanian. I rearranged the lamp and they seem happy now quietly sleeping under their fake feather boa mom.

 

[Noy]

Sounds great!
Every situation is different... that's why it's best to ask the chicks in front of you

 

[BGcoop]

Yes! Look at the chicks, I have a couple week or so old chicks in my basement right now. Basement is not really temperature controlled, there is a heat lamp running but they are rarely found under it at all!