Chick temperatures

[swatskee]

Hey all, just wondering if 80 degrees is too cool for 2 week old chicks? We moved them to the basement from the upstairs and even added another light and the temp is hovering around 80-82 degrees. They seem ok and are active/healthy...

Your thoughts?

 

[LilyD]

I think at one week it's supposed to be 90 and two weeks at 85 so they might be a little chilly down there

 

[homesteadmomma]

I just posted a question similar to this. I have 5 day olds that are living in a brooder set at slightly above 80. Not because I wanted to freeze them, but because they acted as though I was cooking them at 90 and 86 in the first day and night they were here. I was making sure I was doing the right thing, but everyone said that as long as they aren't shivering or panting and acting as usual, they should be fine.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

The way the chicks are behaving will tell you if they are too cold, too hot, or just right.

This is what you are looking for:

It's difficult to accurately measure radiant heat from a light bulb so thermometer readings can be misleading. Watch the chicks. They'll tell you.