Chick brooder issues

[TinyRaptorDodos]

So… I have chicks hatching in about a week. I did plan to wait longer but my rooster got killed and I wanted his chicks. My brooder is outdoors. It was supposed to be warmer by now but it’s been going from 30F-50F all week! With proper heating, will they still be okay in this? It’ll have bedding and a hidey hole of course I’m still in the process of setting it up. My weather app says it should be 51F the day they’re set to hatch.

 

[Evadig]

Some people here brood their chicks outside from day one, even in thirty F temperatures, so I think you'll be fine as long as they have good, reliable heating.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What are you using for heat? Where is it going to sit? That plastic will heat up in the sun like a greenhouse. Might be hard to regulate the temperature, and cause ventilation issues.

I'm brooding outside in a pole building. It's just a matter of getting the brooder temperature correct for the situation. It's easy enough to set up a brooder in a garage or shed.

 

[TinyRaptorDodos]

What are you using for heat? Where is it going to sit? That plastic will heat up in the sun like a greenhouse. Might be hard to regulate the temperature, and cause ventilation issues.

I'm brooding outside in a pole building. It's just a matter of getting the brooder temperature correct for the situation. It's easy enough to set up a brooder in a garage or shed.

I’m going to pick up a brooder plate for one corner(back left) and a ceramic heating bulb for the other(front right).

The top of the brooder is uncovered, it’s just a board of wood resting over wire to prevent rain from getting it, if you look at the last picture you’ll see it open! The front door is also fully uncovered and just wire and wood. I do have a last minute brooder but it’s a pain in the neck to deal with so I’m trying to avoid it

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I’m going to pick up a brooder plate for one corner(back left) and a ceramic heating bulb for the other(front right).

The top of the brooder is uncovered, it’s just a board of wood resting over wire to prevent rain from getting it, if you look at the last picture you’ll see it open! The front door is also fully uncovered and just wire and wood. I do have a last minute brooder but it’s a pain in the neck to deal with so I’m trying to avoid it

I usually use a heat lamp because I like to be in control of the temperature in the brooder. I start to do a test run a few days before using a thermometer under the bulb, and one outside of the heat. When chicks go in I than can tweak the bulb height but the chicks behaviors. I personally have never brooded indoors. I've set all types of poultry up in different places to brood. It's currently between 30-60 degrees outside here. Mine are almost 2 weeks now. I was worried initially, but they are doing great.

I can't comment on the plate as I have never used one.

 

[TinyRaptorDodos]

I usually use a heat lamp because I like to be in control of the temperature in the brooder. I start to do a test run a few days before using a thermometer under the bulb, and one outside of the heat. When chicks go in I than can tweak the bulb height but the chicks behaviors. I personally have never brooded indoors. I've set all types of poultry up in different places to brood. It's currently between 30-60 degrees outside here. Mine are almost 2 weeks now. I was worried initially, but they are doing great.

I can't comment on the plate as I have never used one.

That is very helpful!! Thank you! And less worrisome knowing it can be done safely

I’ve never used a plate before either, but I’ve heard good things about them so I want to try them!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is very helpful!! Thank you! And less worrisome knowing it can be done safely

I’ve never used a plate before either, but I’ve heard good things about them so I want to try them!

You are braver than me. Sure would be interested to know how it goes for you compared to using the lamp. I'm too set in my ways to try.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Make sure you do a test run with everything set up to see what temperatures you get. Ideally the bulb should provide enough heat that the plate runs well (many brands call for 50F minimum), but not an excessive amount of heat.