Brooder thermometer

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I actually don't use a thermometer (though I recommend one... do as I say not as I do) but I imagine any would work. If using a heating pad or plate keep in mind that they do NOT heat the air, so do not expect to get an increase in air temperature from them.

Space for chicks: the general rule I've seen on here is 1/2 sq ft per chick up to around 2 weeks, 1 sq ft up to 4 weeks, 2 sq ft by 8 weeks. Personally... I think general recommendation is on the small side, so if you have more room than that that'd be great. I start at 2 sq ft per bird but I only raise small groups (3-4 chicks) so I have the room to be more generous at the start, without risk of chicks wandering too far from their heat pad.
 
rosemarythyme said:
I actually don't use a thermometer (though I recommend one... do as I say not as I do) but I imagine any would work. If using a heating pad or plate keep in mind that they do NOT heat the air, so do not expect to get an increase in air temperature from them.

Space for chicks: the general rule I've seen on here is 1/2 sq ft per chick up to around 2 weeks, 1 sq ft up to 4 weeks, 2 sq ft by 8 weeks. Personally... I think general recommendation is on the small side, so if you have more room than that that'd be great. I start at 2 sq ft per bird but I only raise small groups (3-4 chicks) so I have the room to be more generous at the start, without risk of chicks wandering too far from their heat pad.
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I'm using a cozy coop heater from amazon. Very good to know the sqft because I have lots of plastic bins that fit the sizing. I can send you my brooder supplies if you want
 
rosemarythyme said:
I think I've seen it on another thread? If I recall it was all pretty standard stuff, feeder, waterer, bedding, grit. Did you add anything new to the list other than the heating plate?
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No. but something that makes me mad is that tsc had great prices... but terrible shipping. I guess I could do curbside pickup.
 
I'm bumping this thread because I have the same question but response wan't clear - when using a heat lamp can you use any basic thermometer? Is it just to check the heat periodically or does it need to be a glass thermometer that can be viewed at all times?


I know a lot of people just watch the chicks but I don't trust our untapped chick knowledge for that.
 
I just put my Acurite thermometer on one end of the brooder, usually on the end where the heat lamp is overhead. I don't think it is completely accurate but I just want a ballpark idea of the temperature in the brooder. Any thermometer should do but I do like the digital ones because they are easier to read at a glance.
 
heather134 said:
I'm bumping this thread because I have the same question but response wan't clear - when using a heat lamp can you use any basic thermometer? Is it just to check the heat periodically or does it need to be a glass thermometer that can be viewed at all times?


I know a lot of people just watch the chicks but I don't trust our untapped chick knowledge for that.
Click to expand...
Yes you can use any basic thermometer.
Not sure I'd leave the thermometer in there, will get covered with poop, I find the infrared easy to use.
But here's some basics on heating a brooder with a lamp:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-chick-heat-blurb.75619/
 

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