Chicks are ok with cold brooder?

[Jessie404]

I have some Wyandotte and Plymouth Rock chicks, ranging from 2 and 1/2 to 3 weeks of age. To start off with the brooder was too hot, and the chicks were sleeping in a circle surrounding the heat lamp. I check the chicks multiple times a day, and they are always running around jumping and flapping everywhere, basically a happy looking chick. I checked the thermometer and found that the brooder is 77 F, from what I have read it is meant to be at 85!!! SO, should I go by the chicks behaviour leave it at the temp it is, or go by thermometer and increase the temp.


Also, what age can you start taking chicks outdoors, not permanently, just for field trips?

Thanks in advance

 

[CluckerFamily]

I never use a thermometer for my brooder, I always go by the chick behavior.
I normally don't take the chicks on field trips when I raise them in a brooder but when a hen hatches chicks, she takes them out when she feels she is ready. Hopefully someone else has advice on field trips.

 

[Willow2253]

Depends on the weather as to how early you can take them outside. In the summer when outdoor temps are in the 80’s I’ve had week olds outside. 3 week olds will probably be ok in the 70’s, but watch their behavior to make sure they’re not too cold. If they’re eating anything other than their feed outside make sure they have the appropriate sized grit.

 

[Aapomp831]

If they are content, no need to change a thing. I find the universal temperature chicks are supposed to be at whatever age to be way too hot. Even at the first week of life, 100% is ridiculous and never necessary.

 

[Thechicksdigme]

I think behavior is a better indication then a thermometer. Ours only slept under the lamp for about 2 weeks. The last 2 we got never slept under it they just huddled with the older chicks.
If they huddle under the lamp it is to cold. If they sleep far from the light it is too hot. If they are spread out the temp is good.
We never took them out just for the day. We put them out permanently at 5 and 3 weeks.

 

[rosemarythyme]

should I go by the chicks behaviour leave it at the temp it is, or go by thermometer and increase the temp.

Also, what age can you start taking chicks outdoors, not permanently, just for field trips?

Go by behavior.

Also hopefully this will reassure you: I brood outdoors in the run (rain or shine), and by 3 weeks old my chicks are down to the lowest setting on a heat pad (just warm to the touch) and they only use it sporadically. Last time I turned it off at 3 1/2 weeks and they were fine even at night. Compare the "5 degrees a week" instructions at 85F for week 3 vs my chicks doing just fine at 48F.

Field trips can be anywhere from a week on, but it depends on your weather conditions, and providing them a safely enclosed area as well as shade (if hot and sunny) or a windbreak (if windy), etc.

I find the universal temperature chicks are supposed to be at whatever age to be way too hot. Even at the first week of life, 100% is ridiculous and never necessary.

Agreed! Chicks can be delicate because of their tiny size, but also a lot tougher than people realize.