Brooder temps Question (pics added)

[crooked stripe]

I have 10 buff orps and 5 blk australorps and the temp in the brooder heat is running 77-80. The birds all lay as far away from the heats as possible. Should I lower the temp more or leave as you folks recomend at 85? The birds will be 3 weeks Monday. John

 

[silkiechicken]

I say do what the birds tell you they need.

If they are all avoiding the light, including the dead of night when the rest of the house or where ever they are kept gets cold, go ahead and lower the temps.

 

[MissPrissy]

If they appear to be too hot raise the heat lamp until they are comfortable.

If they appear to be too cold lower the heat lamp until they are comfortable.

Observing your chicks makes you a better judge of what they need than any of us or a thermometer.

Staying away from the light means it is too warm and you should raise it a bit.

Pssst .. where's the photos? We love photos!

 

[GwenFarms]

If they don't look comfortable, yes, lower it five more degrees. I would think thats a good temp for this age. They aren't suppose to be hovering under the lights, just walking around doing their thing. If they appear to be trying to escape the heat, its too hot, but if your concerned because they aren't staying right under the lights, they aren't suppose to. They are suppose to be spread out eating, drinking, sleeping...etc.

 

[crooked stripe]

Misspressy I will send some in the morning. They look more like buzzards at this point with the feather growing. John

 

[crooked stripe]

Here are the pics of my 3 week olds that Misspressy ask for.

 

[crooked stripe]

 

[crooked stripe]

 

[GwenFarms]

It doesn't look like you have a temp problem in the pics. They don't really looked stressed.

Great looking chicks btw

 

[Alexis]

Cute bunch of chicks! I love how they crane their necks to see what's going on.